Capitol Hill’s vibrant Melrose Market is experiencing a resurgence, welcoming a diverse mix of new ventures. Among the most anticipated is Harry’s Good Times, a new culinary project by the acclaimed Harry’s Fine Foods team. This expansion marks an exciting chapter for the beloved local food brand, bringing its signature style and quality to a new location within the historic market.
Harry’s Fine Foods team behind Wild Cherry Nightclub concept at Melrose Market (Image: Forum Social House)
Harry’s Fine Foods: A Capitol Hill Success Story
Originating in 2016, Harry’s Fine Foods has become a cornerstone of the Capitol Hill food scene. Founded by Julian Hagood, what began as a corner shop has evolved into a family of successful food and hospitality businesses. Known for its catering, events, and the popular Harry’s Beach House in West Seattle, Harry’s Fine Foods has cultivated a reputation for quality and community engagement. The new Harry’s Good Times venture inside Melrose Market is set to further solidify Harry’s Fine Foods as a key player in Seattle’s culinary landscape.
Melrose Market Welcomes Harry’s Good Times
Harry’s Good Times will occupy the former Sitka and Spruce space within Melrose Market. This prime location places them amongst established and respected neighbors like Glasswing, Rain Shadow Meats, and Taylor Shellfish, as well as newer additions such as Cantina Sauvage and Cafe Suliman. The arrival of Harry’s Fine Foods within Melrose Market is indicative of the market’s renewed vitality, five years after its acquisition by a national developer and its successful navigation through the pandemic.
Julian Hagood preparing the new Harry’s Good Times space at Melrose Market (Image: Harry’s Fine Foods)
The location itself holds historical culinary significance. Sitka and Spruce, under the renowned chef Matt Dillon, operated for a decade before closing in 2019. Dillon cited rising rents and operational costs as reasons for the closure, highlighting the challenging economics faced by restaurants even in thriving areas like Capitol Hill. However, the resurgence of Melrose Market, anchored by the arrival of Harry’s Fine Foods, signals a positive shift and renewed opportunity for businesses in the area.
More Than Just Food: Nightlife and Fitness Join the Revival
Adding to the dynamism of Melrose Market, the lower level is being transformed into the Wild Cherry Nightclub, spearheaded by Roger RoRo Eng, the entrepreneur behind Bellevue’s Forum Social House. This new nightlife destination promises to bring a unique entertainment experience to Capitol Hill, complementing the culinary offerings of Harry’s Fine Foods and the market.
Furthermore, Capitol Hill is seeing a broader wave of development with projects like Henry’s Gym, a new fitness facility and social club planned for Boylston. These additions, alongside established and emerging nightlife venues in the area, contribute to a vibrant and diverse atmosphere, making Capitol Hill an increasingly attractive destination for dining, entertainment, and more.
Exterior view of Melrose Market in Capitol Hill, Seattle (Image: Melrose Market)
A Bright Future for Melrose Market and Harry’s Fine Foods
Melrose Market’s journey from its debut over a decade ago, through acquisition and pandemic challenges, to its current revitalization is a testament to its enduring appeal and the resilience of Capitol Hill’s business community. The market’s original vision of fostering local businesses and creating a vibrant marketplace remains strong, and the addition of Harry’s Fine Foods with Harry’s Good Times, alongside Wild Cherry and other ventures, points towards an exciting future for this iconic Seattle location. While opening dates for these new projects are yet to be announced, anticipation is building for the next chapter of Melrose Market and the continued success of Harry’s Fine Foods. For updates, visit melrosemarketseattle.com.
