Marjorie’s Restaurant has reopened in Seattle's Central District at Midtown Square, located at 23rd and Union. After closing due to the pandemic, the establishment has resumed operations with support from the Business Community Ownership Fund, exemplifying community resilience and a commitment to sustainable business practices.
According to the City of Seattle website, during the reopening ceremony, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell praised the initiative, stating, "The Business Community Ownership Fund is a prime example of Seattle’s pioneering spirit, and our One Seattle values in action." He highlighted Marjorie’s role in the community, saying, "For two decades, Marjorie’s was a staple in our community, serving as not just a place to get a great meal, but a space for community to gather, connect, and feel at home. Now, through investments from the BCO Fund, Marjorie’s will once again welcome residents, workers and visitors back to connect and share a meal."
Donna Moodie, restaurateur and community advocate, expressed her gratitude for the support from the City and Grow America in reopening her business, established in 2003 and named after her mother. In a statement on the City of Seattle website, in a release from the Office of the Mayor, Moodie said, "This opportunity allowed me to be the visionary. I was encouraged to curate the dining experience I’ve always wanted to create for my community and loyal clientele. I am not anxious about rent increases, unreasonable landlords, or have the insecurity that comes from being a renter in an expensive and volatile city. We cannot wait to invite the community to experience the latest iteration of Marjorie. My mother would be so proud."
OED and Grow America, with a significant grant from JPMorgan Chase, created the BCO Fund to address small business displacement and rising commercial rents in Seattle. It fosters partnerships that allow business owners to join an LLC with stable, affordable rents, helping them stay grounded amid market fluctuations.
Sara Nelson, City Council President, emphasized the fund's vision, stating, "The BCO Fund is an innovative way to remedy the displacement that threatens many small businesses, the jobs they create, and the gathering spaces that bind our communities together. I congratulate Donna for the relaunch of treasured CD gem Marjorie and I applaud Lake Union Partners for their partnership." Joy Hollingsworth, Seattle City Councilmember for District 3, expressed excitement about Marjorie’s reopening in the historic Central District, noting, "We are thrilled for the opening of Marjorie’s in the historic Central District. The City of Seattle with our Office of Economic Development is committed to providing resources for our small local businesses to be successful," as per the City of Seattle website.
