Seattle Landmark Closes As Owner Blasts Rising Costs

Описание: Another longtime Seattle business is closing its doors as rising rents, labor costs, food prices and other expenses put increasing pressure on small businesses in the city.

Luigi’s Italian Eatery, an iconic restaurant in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square neighborhood, is preparing to close later this month after decades of serving Italian food in the city. Owner Angela Williams says rising rent, mandatory wage increases, construction disruptions and Seattle’s overall cost of doing business have made keeping the family restaurant open unsustainable.

Williams described Seattle as an increasingly “hostile environment” for small businesses, arguing that restaurants cannot absorb major increases in rent and wages without a corresponding increase in customers and revenue.

The closure comes as Pioneer Square continues to face questions about Seattle’s downtown economy, public safety, construction disruptions, operating costs and the long-term health of small businesses. The World Cup temporarily brought increased foot traffic and customers into the Stadium District and Pioneer Square, but businesses still face the challenge of maintaining that activity after major events end.

Luigi’s isn't the only longtime Pioneer Square business disappearing. Magic Mouse Toys, which operated for nearly five decades, and the 23-year-old Collins Pub also recently closed.

The latest Seattle business closures are adding to a larger debate over whether taxes, regulations, wages, rent, crime and other operating expenses are making it increasingly difficult for restaurants and small businesses to survive in Seattle.

Washington in Focus examines the closure of Luigi’s Italian Eatery, the challenges facing Pioneer Square businesses, Seattle’s rising cost of doing business and what another longtime closure could say about the economic health of downtown Seattle.