Sea Grill Closing on Sunday

I'm for Change (for tacoma) March 25, 2009

It is too bad we’re losing another nice dining restuarant, but I never seemed to make it on the days when they were offering “excellent service”. Service was the main reason I stopped going there.

Roy Batty March 25, 2009

Well of course it’s closing. We’re in an economic and housing depression and live in a city that is decidedly not populated by Microsoft Millionaires.
If they were “affordable”, then maybe folks would patronize it more, rather than opt for Jack-in-the-crack and use the rest of their $ to try to keep the power on.

Marty March 25, 2009

Sea-grill, Starbucks, UPS Store…

I think we need to look at the the role of the convention center in Tacoma. We have seen several examples of groups choosing nearby event space rather than the convention center due to their pricing strategy.

Their decision to hold a hard line on pricing has pushed much of the convention and meeting business away.

They goal should be host as many events, conventions, art shows and meetings as possible, with the region recouping costs through the $$ spent by attendees in the community.

I would rather have a convention center that loses a little money, but has a thriving retail climate around it, thereby making it more attractive to more groups and leaving more money in the community while building the job base.

Instead their low volume, high markup events strategy has left us with a convention center in the middle of several vacant retail store fronts.

jamie from thriceallamerican March 25, 2009

Anyone taking wagers on the smoothie place? (Knock on wood that can remain just a joke.)

Squid March 25, 2009

Roy@2: Meanwhile, across the street, another equally expensive restaurant is kickin’ butt and takin’ names. Go figure. We may not have Microsoft millionaires, but do we have plenty of people who appreciate good food and have the scratch to pay for it.

I don’t all the reasons for SeaGrill’s failure, but it wasn’t just the recession that did them in. You just knew something was up when a seafood restaurant takes fresh oysters off the menu because they can’t move them.

I’ll agree with Marty@3. Don’t know all the management/business issues at the convention center, but something is sideways up the hill.

Jake March 25, 2009

So PG and Two Koi are hurting? If it is all about the Convention Center, they must be on their way out like Sea Grill and Starbucks. Right?

Erik Hanberg March 25, 2009

If I could throw another thought into the convention center thread here …

One of the things holding it back is that the Convention Center has chosen outsourcing. Aramark for catering, AV Factory for tech, etc. Many convention centers comp the room because they know they’ll get the food and drink bill. When every component is outsourced, this doesn’t work and deals can’t be cut.

An even bigger point, though … the Convention & Visitor Bureau (a separate institution from the Convention Center) should be responsible for booking all events 18-months and out. When I worked at the CVB this wasn’t the case though it might have changed since.

We have an organization we’re funding that is dedicated to boosting tourism, which should the main purpose of the convention center. By giving them exclusive booking for all events 18 months and out, we know that we’re filling the center with the choicest events most likely to fill hotel rooms and then in-filling with local events. (The 18-month cut-off is how the Seattle CVB books the Seattle Convention Center; it’s a good model.)

Right now it seems like there are just too many local events on the calendar that don’t bring people in from out of town … people who might go to the Sea Grill and use the UPS Store.

It’s true that the center is “too big” for the number of hotel rooms within walking distance, and adding more downtown would be very good. But it can serve as a location for more out-of-town events if that is made the focus.

Jason H March 25, 2009

The Sea Grill had decent food. But I agree that the service never matched the price.

While the Convention Center issue does have a small role to play in the closing, it is a whole seperate topic that I believe should be posed in another forum.

If a business is solely open due to the “traffic” from the convention center, you are in the wrong business.

If a business closes in our city, it is sad…so I will now go mourn Sea Grill over a cup of coffee from Blackwater Cafe (not Starbucks)…

altered Chords March 25, 2009

It’s a shame. Next we’ll hear that Tollefson plaza is closing.

Nick March 25, 2009

“meh” has always come to mind when I think of Sea Grill. Their food wasn’t terrible, but it certainly wasn’t worth their prices. The few times I went it was noticeably empty, and that was when our economy wasn’t in the toilet.

I think they were just treading water before this recession, and the recession just put the pressure on and broke the camel’s back.

Rob McNair-Huff March 25, 2009

That is bad news. Sea Grill has always had better food and much better service, in my experience, than Pacific Grill across the street. I had always hoped that it would be Sea Grill that would survive the seafood battle near the Convention Center.

Heidi March 25, 2009

Issue I have is bringing customers to Tacoma for dinner when there are no car pool lanes!!! Companies like Microsoft, Boeing, and Bio-tech firms transport customers to area restaurants for events. Yet, try scheduling an event in Tacoma in the summer when the traffic is awful. There is no way I would put my customers in a position to be on a bus for 2 hours and upset them when they can zoom to Bellevue or Seattle using carpool lanes. If you want economic development to remain do something about the lack of carpool lanes and if you think this is a joke, ask your friends from the north why they don’t bring people down south.

Lisa March 25, 2009

In other “shops/restaurants that are closing” news, today is Cascade Bagel’s last day in business. It’s the little cafe adjacent to the history museum, for those unfamiliar. I went down there earlier for a farewell pizza bagel. I’ll miss that place.

Marty March 25, 2009

Cascade….
They had the best bagels.
EVAR!!

All-though I ordered a mocha once and they made it with chocolate milk. (YUK)

Roy Batty March 25, 2009

I assure you,this is economic Darwinism in action.
I’d eaten at Sea Grill 3x, over the course of about a year or so. All 3 times I was not particularly impressed with the food, I do not think it warranted the price.

We all know that there aren’t a whole ton of reasons to go downtown, as has been discussed a billion and one times.

So if the reasons to go downtown are slim, why does a restaurant that’s just average (except the price) think it will survive?

And in response to Captain Squiddo, Pacific Grill, in my own experience was worth the money. I took the GF there for our anniversary and it was a great evening. Maybe they’re kickin’ butt because they’ve proven to b worth the trip and the $$$. That should be a lesson. Even in crapola times, even a high-end restaurant can do well because people like to celebrate certain events with a fancy dinner. If your restaurant is percieved to be worth the cost, you’ll do ok. Otherwise, you’ll be pulling a Sea Grill.

Erik B. March 25, 2009

It’s the little cafe adjacent to the history museum, for those unfamiliar. I went down there earlier for a farewell pizza bagel. I’ll miss that place.

The place was a disaster.

It didn’t help that the windows were made too high to look out of while eating there. The concept of having windows low enough so that people walking by could look in was too complex for the designers of the WSHM.

Worse, there is no door opening from the restaurant onto the main street Pacific Avenue.

The foot traffic is huge here but they botched the layout so badly that no restaurant has been able to surive. With that said the attempts so far to have something there have been pretty poor so it may not have mattered.

6ther March 25, 2009

I don’t believe for a second that this was a result of the Sea Grill being of a poorer quality. I’ve eaten at both the Pacific and Sea Grill several times and I’ve had both good and bad meals at both places.
This is a result of a down economy. Big name restaurant owners stayed away form downtown for years because no one goes there. Then Tacoma started it’s “big revitalization” and there was a promise of attraction that lured in the bigger names.

I personally believe that this has more to do with the state of our city than it does with one businesses performance over another.
Tacoma is too weak to support itself during tough times. Also, the same old challenges… there’s not enough of a NEED to go downtown, and we continue to not create a need.

Since we don’t need to go there, and we can’t afford to just go where ever we want, then why would we go downtown?

I’d bet money that if the Sea Grill and the Pacific Grill were to switch places, the Pacific Grill would be closing it’s doors this Sunday.

crenshaw sepulveda March 25, 2009

The good news is we still have the Pacific Grill and the Varisty Grill so we are still pretty flush with Grills.

ArtLovesNature March 26, 2009

@6ther I don’t understand your last sentence:

“I’d bet money that if the Sea Grill and the Pacific Grill were to switch places, the Pacific Grill would be closing it’s doors this Sunday.”

By “places” do you mean their physical locations? Beacause they are only about 25 ft. apart. We are talking about the two restaurants on the corners of 15th & Pacific right? I’m confused, but I just might take you up on that bet. I could use some extra cash!

I definitely agree about the problems downtown businesses are facing as the incentives to go downtown seem to be dwindling. Maybe I’ll head down to Indochine for dinner. Yum!

Broadweezy March 26, 2009

Sooo…..discounted oysters and lobster then? Game.

Jake March 26, 2009

I personally don’t think it was all the economy. There were flaws with Sea Grill. I have heard many people comment on the interior of the restaurant, how it looks like it should be in Miami or on a cruise ship. It just wasn’t very warm, sexy, or inviting. The space doesn’t seem like it was even designed for a restaurant. You have to go out to the office building hallways to use the bathroom. The parking validation, and for that matter finding your way back to the parking garage was confusing. The restaurant should have been placed on Pacific Ave. Sea Grill just never really took off, period.

Squid March 26, 2009

Roy@15: I think you are exactly right in your second post. Pac Grill delivers high value even at upper end (for Tacoma) prices. Do that and you will survive, if not thrive even when things are tough. And even in Tacoma.

Personally, I far prefer PG. Much better on food, service ambience.
But that’s just my opinion. People who liked SeaGrill, while apparently fewer in number, are welcome to their opinion. I feel bad for the people their closing put out of work.

Bill Kaufmann March 26, 2009

I don’t think it helped having 2 restaurants with such similar names a block apart. It was damn confusing and one of them was bound to fail. The survivor will probably be better off because of it. Of course, without a parking lot, it’s a challenge for any downtown restaurant (That’s why Johnnys Dock and Stanley Seaforts usually get my business).

Erik B. March 26, 2009

There were flaws with Sea Grill. I have heard many people comment on the interior of the restaurant, how it looks like it should be in Miami or on a cruise ship.

Not being on Pacific Ave was a hindrance I think too. Also, one had to walk too far though the tables to get to the bar which is one of the problems Stadium Bistro had as well.

6ther March 26, 2009

@ArtLovesNature- I would take that bet with you!

There is a very delicate balance when it comes to location in downtown Tacoma.

Do you think Starbucks would have closed down if they’d been located down on Pacific by the Pac. Grill space? No, they’d still be open.

Instead, they were located on a street with very little exposure or convenience for impulsive buyers.

Now, if the convention center actually served it’s purpose and brought real people to town it would be different, and I think the Sea Grill would have done well enough to stay in business, as would that Starbucks store.
Convenience, Exposure, Quality.
They’re all equally important to a restaurant staying afloat.

The Sea Grill and the Starbucks are victims of a dead street.

dolly varden March 26, 2009

@26: And the dead street is at least partially the victim of the crappy mishmash of surburban-style architecture and dated urban renewal projects in that part of town. The Pacific Grill is just close enough to the nicer architecture around UWT to overcome that problem. And even though it’s practically attached to the ugly Marriott, it’s in a nice building with an inviting entry.

Sweet March 26, 2009

I have mixed feelings about Sea Grill. Last time I went there I tried to use a gift card I had recieved on Happy Hour and the bartneder told me I couldn’t. What? Why Not? That rubbed me the wrong way for sure.

I think this place could have survived with some better marketing. Sure blogs are great for people who blog. Email Blasts go to people who have taken the time to sign up for your email list, but what about pulling in new customers consistantly? Get them in the door, give them a great meal and great service and then hopefully get some repeat business. Maybe if some non-competeing business owners would work together they could help each other out. (Example- Open an account at ABC Bank and get a certificate for one complimentary meal at Sea Grill.) Get people in the door with this kind of thing and I am sure you will see some benefits. In times like this alot of people need some time of incentive to walk into your business and spend their money.

altered Chords March 27, 2009

Sweet – I love your strategic alliance idea.

dale rush March 27, 2009

Mike and the incredible TEAM at Sea Grill-you have all created an “incredible dining experience” for ton’s of Guests that walked “down that set of stairs and walk the Link tracks to the cornor “! Our Bell Staff all THANK YOU and will miss each and every one of you-“Thanks for the Memories”

Thorax O'Tool March 27, 2009

They are physically a mere 25 feet apart. I have not eaten there, so I can’t base my rationale off of food or service.

BUT I can see the places. Pac Grill’s building looks warm and comfortable. Sea Grill looks like an afterthought on the uber-commercial RainPac building… not inviting and nothing associated with banking is comfortable.

With no prejudice from reviews or referrals, I would go into Pac Grill rather than Sea Grill. Like it or not, we judge books by their covers.

reenerb March 27, 2009

I heard it through the grapevine…
Sea Grill is closing because the rent on their building went up considerably (considerably=bunches). They are not necessarily closing because of poor service, location, lack of events at the Convention Center, etc. It is also rumored (more fact than rumor) that the Starbucks closed for the very same reason.
Why would the landlord raise building rent so much in a time of economic hardship? I’m sure that it’s hard for them too, but wouldn’t it be the right thing to keep your paying tenants? A heck of a lot better than an empty building.
Sea Grill is an integral part of the downtown community; volunteering, hosting, etc. Can we save it?
Also heard through the grapevine (it’s a large vine)… There is a group of people working to keep Sea Grill in the community. Perhaps a cart in the middle of Tollefson?

You're Welcome March 27, 2009

I love Sea Grill and I hope they can relocate. Awesome happy hour snacks.

I can understand the look and location of Pac Grill is tons better. I never liked it. Poor service at a high price.

Still, I wouldn’t want to see either one close.

Squid March 27, 2009

@33: poor service and high prices? I invite you to join me in the Pacific Grill bar at happy hour sometime. Just the ticket for a cheap guy like me.

You're Welcome March 27, 2009

@34 Thanks Squid, but you’ll find me at El Gaucho across the street.

Rachel March 28, 2009

On the West side of town there is nothing, just crappy old buildings that serve average food. So, we head to Gig Harbor and hit the better restaurants with less risk of getting mugged, or spit on my bums. Sips in GH is a great trendy restaurant along with Brix and Fondi (chain).

I can pay $2.75 toll and still save on sales tax without going to downtown Tacoma, pay for parking and hope that my BMW does not get broken into. Again, why should I go to Tacoma? They already take $7K away from me per year for property taxes. I figure I do not owe them more, when even my street has pot holes. Avoid paying sales taxes and head to Gig Harbor folks…

altered Chords March 28, 2009

Rachel – your post confuses me. “Spit on my bums” Are you Brittish? Has a mugger actually spit on your rear end?

I’ve never seen that happen. It seems to me that it yet another reason that Tacoma should be a destination city.

Squid March 28, 2009

aC: the proper Brit term is “spit on ME bum.” But I can understand the confusion.

Mind the gap.

Squid March 28, 2009

I know how Rachel feels. It’s much much safer in the parking lot at Olive Garden.

You're Welcome March 28, 2009

@36, the West side (Bridgeport/ West 6th Ave. area) used to be really happening and packed full of great little eats. People who lived nearby stopped supporting those places and restaurants (and shops) went out of business. Same thing happened to Browns Point.

That’s why I support Tacoma. I don’t want to have to go to Gig Harbor, Federal Way, and Puyallup if everything here closes down.

tressie March 28, 2009

I won’t miss Sea Grill. Snottiest wait staff evah. 10 bucks for 2 slimy mushrooms….yeesh. oh yeah, you won’t find me spending much of my hard-earned cash at high end restaurants for a variety of reasons…but the best part of Sea Grill was the location/view. Now, landlords in Tacoma who think this is the new LaJolla….No. I’ve been here 26 yrs. and no bum has ever spit on me bum. evah. Did you not know that BMW stands for: Break My Window. oh wait. You, Rachel, are just pulling my leg, right? Because if you are serious, I’m gonna e-stalk you for prime comedy material !!!!!!

Thorax March 29, 2009

@ Rachel…

You sound more like one of those people from that Seattle-wannabe city in the 425.

Seriously, that is a very poor attitude to have. If you do not like where you live, then live where you like.

SECRET ID this one time March 29, 2009

The issue of the rent going up on Sea Grill in hard times, instead of supporting their tenant, doesn’t surprise me from Rainier Pacific Bank. Little known secret in Tacoma that is a national scandal: When Rainer Pacific Bank converted from a credit union to a bank the board of directors (allegedly=for my legal protection) abdicated their fiduciary responsibility to the members and essentially converted millions of dollars that belonged to their friends and neighbors into stock for themselves. The lack of integrity and humanity is sad.

The laws have changed since then to make this type of travesty harder to accomplish. Basically, it you were a member at Rainier Pacific Bank when it was a credit union the stock that the board and executives received during the conversion was your money. You, the people right here in Tacoma were the owners of that place when they convinced you to convert it to a bank and gave you nothing, zero for your ownership which was tens of thousands of dollars in assets for every member, because it was a multi-million institution. That’s how stock works. Of course they did sending you brightly colored marketing materials that told you it was the right thing for you. They just didn’t say that it meant you’d be giving away your ownership and thousands of dollars to each individual person in our community. It hasn’t been that long and the window of legal action is probably open.

Sorry to hear about the restaurant….

J. Cote March 31, 2009

Sounds like what RR and I have been spewing for a while now. Where are all those high-end tourists that were going to flock here to see a pirate blowing glass balls? We built the museums, the restaurants, the curio shops and all the crap that makes us LOOK touristy. Are they waiting for the car museum to open?? Is THAT the last piece to the puzzle that will make T-town a “Destination” town?
I don’t go downtown. Unless I have to pick up my kid at a SOTA thing. There’s no place to park. What’s in the shops is overpriced, undervalued junk. There hasn’t been a decent theater show for a while now. And I’m not about to come and get a meal served to me by some yuppie puppie snob that’s just working so that he can by “Sword Swallowing Demon Zombie Killers from Hoboken” for his X-Box game system. He could give a flying hoot whether I want my brandy warmed and probably couldn’t do it without setting his blazer on fire anyway.

crenshaw sepulveda March 31, 2009

A tragedy from which Tacoma may never recover.

Deiter March 31, 2009

I avoid paying all necessary sales taxes in PC, too. You can go to Kitsap County and shop for less. I agree pay the toll and at least don’t worry about getting robbed on the street. As a single woman why would I go shopping downtown if I don’t feel safe. Go where you feel safe R.

Whitney staff March 31, 2009

@46 Deiter

While one’s feeling of safety is not something I can criticize, the crime rate in downtown is comparable to North Tacoma.

I support everyone’s right to make choices and everyone’s desire to feel safe but I’d invite you to come downtown and actually explore some of the great features. Crime is no worse here than in many neighborhoods.

1420 April 1, 2009

By the way, rachel, Tacoma does not take $7k in property taxes a year-PIERCE COUNTY collects property taxes and Tacoma gets a portion of the tax collected after all is said and done-please educate yourself before you make erroneous comments. And lastly, move to Gig Harbor if you prefer it more and stop wasting gas and polluting the South Sound with your ill shopping ways.

Vlorg, the Mighty April 1, 2009

Not paying taxes is so easy and so legal.

1) Rent, don’t own. The bigger the building, the less of you $ that goes to property taxes to PC and T-Town.

2) Only buy non-taxables at the store. No slaes tax on food=not giving $ to Olympia… buy matrial goods online from anyone you choose. No sales tax!

3) Bike, bus, roller blade or walk… thus you don’t pay one of the Nation’s highest gas taxes.

4) Don’t smoke and don’t pay the insane tobacco tax… or at least buy smokes from the Puyallups and still pay no taxes.

5) If so inclined, you can stick it to Uncle Sam. Get a lower paying job and keep a higher % of your money. Or just sponge of off the system and have no job. No job = no income tax, no medicare tax, no social security tax.

…if SeaGrill ia going out of business, it is entirely likely that it’s because of the Depression, providing an inferior product or their management being idiots.

6ther April 2, 2009

Hey Mighty Vlorg-

Thanks for summing up the restaurant closure for us.

“Let’s see, the Sea Grill either closed because the economy sucks, the food sucks, or the people suck.”

You really went out on a limb there didn’t ya?

Thorax O'Tool April 3, 2009

Yawn.

While you all lament SeaGrill, you can find me down at the El Toro on Broadway.

50 comments