Capitol Hill’s beloved Melrose Market is experiencing a vibrant resurgence, welcoming a mix of new businesses, including an exciting restaurant project by the team behind Harry’s Fine Foods Seattle. Five years after its acquisition by a national developer and navigating the pandemic, Melrose Market is poised for a second wave of activity, highlighted by Harry’s Good Times, a new culinary concept from Julian Hagood and the Harry’s Fine Foods family. This venture will occupy the former Sitka and Spruce space, bringing a fresh dining experience from the acclaimed Harry’s Fine Foods Seattle team that transformed a Bellevue Avenue corner into a celebrated food and hospitality hub.
Harry Hagood of Harry’s Fine Foods preparing to open Harry’s Good Times restaurant in Seattle’s Melrose Market.
Harry’s Fine Foods Seattle: From Corner Shop to Melrose Market Expansion
Harry’s Fine Foods, established in 2016, has become a cornerstone of the Capitol Hill food scene, known for its catering, events, and a commitment to quality and hospitality. Founder Julian Hagood has cultivated a family of businesses, extending the Harry’s Fine Foods Seattle brand to include Harry’s Beach House in West Seattle and a charming bed and breakfast on Capitol Hill. The upcoming Harry’s Good Times at Melrose Market represents a significant expansion for Harry’s Fine Foods Seattle, allowing them to further innovate and connect with the community in a dynamic new setting.
This new project joins a robust mix of established and emerging businesses within Melrose Market. Long-standing tenants like Glasswing, Rain Shadow Meats, and Taylor Shellfish continue to thrive alongside newer additions such as Cantina Sauvage and Cafe Suliman, founded by Sitka and Spruce alumni Ahmed Suliman and Marc Papineau, bringing Levantine flavors and natural wines to the market. Harry’s Good Times will complement this diverse culinary landscape, offering a unique addition to the Harry’s Fine Foods Seattle portfolio and Melrose Market’s offerings.
Melrose Market Embraces New Energy
Melrose Market’s resurgence is a welcome development for Capitol Hill. Originally launched over a decade ago with a vision to host local and neighborhood businesses, the market has evolved and adapted over the years. Despite challenges, including the closure of Sitka and Spruce in 2019 due to rising rents and operational costs, Melrose Market remains a vital hub. Chef Matt Dillon’s departure with Sitka and Spruce highlighted the economic pressures facing restaurants, but Melrose Market’s enduring appeal is evident in the influx of new ventures like Harry’s Good Times and the Wild Cherry Nightclub.
Melrose Market in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, experiencing a revival with new businesses.
Below the future location of Harry’s Good Times, Melrose Market’s lower level is also buzzing with activity. Roger RoRo Eng, the entrepreneur behind Bellevue’s Forum Social House, is developing the Wild Cherry Nightclub. This addition promises a distinct nightlife experience for Capitol Hill, bringing the energy and activity-focused approach of Forum Social House to the neighborhood.
Capitol Hill’s nightlife scene is diversifying, with new establishments like Cultura Seattle and Massive joining the mix. Wild Cherry and the upcoming Henry’s Gym – a fitness and social club – indicate a trend towards activity-based entertainment and social venues. While Melrose Market’s lower levels have seen various event spaces come and go, the presence of Still Liquor and the anticipation for Wild Cherry suggest a vibrant future for nightlife within the market.
A Bright Future for Melrose Market and Harry’s Fine Foods Seattle
The revitalization of Melrose Market, anchored by exciting projects like Harry’s Good Times from Harry’s Fine Foods Seattle and the Wild Cherry Nightclub, signals a positive trajectory for this Capitol Hill landmark. From its beginnings as an auto row-era building transformed by Liz Dunn and Scott Shapiro, Melrose Market continues to offer new opportunities and experiences for the neighborhood. The expansion of Harry’s Fine Foods Seattle into Melrose Market underscores the enduring appeal of local businesses and the evolving dynamism of Seattle’s culinary and entertainment landscape.
While opening dates for Harry’s Good Times and Wild Cherry are yet to be announced, more information can be found at melrosemarketseattle.com. The arrival of Harry’s Good Times further solidifies Harry’s Fine Foods Seattle‘s position as a key player in the city’s vibrant food scene and promises an exciting new dining destination within Melrose Market.
