This week the Fats Hen, a tiny cafe that’s an anchor of Ballard’s brunch scene, introduced that it’s closing completely. “It’s bittersweet however actual,” the homeowners wrote on Instagram. Its final day of service might be September 13.
The Fats Hen has occupied a tiny however light-filled area on Northwest seventieth Avenue for a dozen years. The unique homeowners, Linnea and Massimo Gallo, served Italian meals that critics raved about; Sammie and Cody Jeffs, one other husband and spouse group, purchased it 9 years in the past. Cody had beforehand labored for José Andrés in Las Vegas and on the Seattle nice eating vacation spot Lark, whereas Sammie managed eating places for Rachel Yang.
The Jeffs modified the main target to brunch and the Fats Hen turned recognized for its shakshuka and eggs Benedict. The restaurant additionally serves toast, however not avocado toast due to the problems related to avocado cultivation. The commonest grievance concerning the restaurant is its lengthy strains and the issue folks have getting reservations — it’s a traditional, “nobody goes there anymore, it’s too crowded” spot.
With the Fats Hen’s final brunch coming in lower than a month, it’s sure to be much more crowded. Sammie referred to as the choice to shut “tough,” however stated that it got here down to 2 elements. The primary is the “unsustainable prices of working in Seattle, which have continued to escalate,” she stated in an Instagram message. “Moreover, my companion and I’ve reached a state of extreme burnout, exacerbated by the extended pressure of the COVID period, leaving us no alternative however to maneuver ahead in a unique route for our well-being.”
The little cafe will stay a restaurant, nevertheless. Sammie stated that “a gifted younger particular person will take over our area to launch a brand new idea.” Perhaps these lengthy strains will stay on seventieth even after the Fats Hen leaves.
