What’s happening with Red Lobster? Plus, a new downtown cafe and housing pitched for Martin Way
The city of Olympia announced this week that the fast-food chicken sandwich business Chick-fil-A intends to open a new location at 4505 Martin Way E. — which happens to be the current location of a Red Lobster.
That seafood restaurant is still open. So what’s going on?
The Olympian has reached out twice to Red Lobster media relations but received no response. A query posted on the Olympia Red Lobster Facebook page also was not responded to, and the general manager of the restaurant could not speak to the situation, she said.
However, two diners leaving Red Lobster Wednesday evening said the restaurant would be missed if it closes.
“Our vote is no,” said Steven Cole of Port Orchard in response to hearing that Chick-fil-A wants to redevelop the Red Lobster site for its own business.
Cole and his wife, Melinda, were in Lacey on Wednesday to do some shopping. They used to dine at a Red Lobster in Silverdale, saying it was one of the few fine dining options in the Port Orchard area before it closed.
Melinda made the case that Red Lobster will be missed because it’s the perfect kind of a place for an anniversary dinner, or to share a meal with family, or to host young couples on prom night.
And they enjoyed their meal. For about $50, or $25 apiece, they had lobster, salmon, two kinds of shrimp dishes, baked potato, hush puppies and biscuits, the Coles said.
And what’s so special about Chick-fil-A? Steven asked. It’s just more of the same, he said, comparing it to Burger King, Wendy’s and McDonald’s.
A city of Olympia official said this week that the Red Lobster building will eventually be demolished to make way for Chick-fil-A, although that timeline was not immediately known.
Chick-fil-A also displaced other restaurants to develop its first two sites in Thurston County.
Hawks Prairie Restaurant in Lacey closed to make way for the first Chick-fil-A, on Marvin Road. Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse moved to Cooper Point Road so that Chick-fil-A could develop their second location now being built on Capital Mall Drive in west Olympia.
New downtown cafe
New Moon Cafe has closed, but its former space in downtown Olympia on Fourth Avenue, between Columbia Street and Capitol Way, is being transformed into a new eatery called Glowies.
The business has a website and an Instagram page, which shows the operators plan to serve espresso, egg sandwiches and baked goods.
Glowies is opening this summer, according to the website.
Stay tuned.
Real estate
A major project could be coming to Martin Way East, according to the July 9 agenda for the city of Olympia’s Site Plan Review Committee.
Revival Architects wants to talk about Martin Way Heights, an apartment building proposal for 2640 Martin Way E., which is between the Martin Way Diner and Aztec Lanes, on the north side of the street.
“The building is planned to be 7 stories tall, and contain up to 131 apartment units,” the narrative reads. “On-site parking will be provided, with 60 spaces shown currently on the site plan.”
The site plan review committee provides feedback on what local government expects of development projects should they move forward.
Final step of acquisition completed
Tacoma-based Sound Credit Union has completed the system conversion of Washington Business Bank, the final step in the acquisition of the downtown Olympia bank, the credit union announced.
As part of the transaction, Sound has assumed all assets and substantially all liabilities of the bank.
“With the addition of the downtown Olympia location, Sound has expanded its branch footprint to 26 full-service locations, enhancing its ability to provide Washingtonians with convenient access to financial tools and services that support both personal and business financial goals,” a news release reads.
The addition of the bank’s assets has increased Sound’s total assets to over $3 billion, including more than $2.5 billion in deposits and $2.3 billion in consumer and business loans, according to the release.
A community ribbon-cutting ceremony at the downtown branch is set for 5:30 p.m. July 24.
People news
Rodney Youckton, chief community relations officer at Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel in Rochester, has received the Lifetime Leadership Award from the Tribal Leadership Council, a not-for-profit organization that provides tribal leaders and executives with continuing education and other support.
“This honor, presented at the 2025 Tribal Leadership Conference Awards, recognizes Mr. Youckton’s decades of dedicated service, unwavering advocacy and visionary leadership in Indian Country,” a news release reads.
“The Lifetime Leadership Award is designed to honor a tribal leader whose commitment has spanned multiple decades, responding to changing community needs, forging intergovernmental partnerships, and championing tribal sovereignty. The recipient leaves a legacy that will guide and inspire future generations,” according to the release.
Youckton began his service in tribal governance through roles such as commissioner with the Tribal Gaming Agency before joining the Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel team.
This July marks his 21st year of service as chief community relations officer.
If you know of a retailer, restaurant, coffee shop or other business that is opening, closing, expanding, remodeling, or changing its focus, send an email to reporter Rolf Boone at rboone@theolympian.com.
