![]() There’s a higher demand here, and it seems to be a continuing trend among our stores in Washington,” said Daniels. “I’ve noticed that this location is much busier. He said that the volume of customers in this new store has been overwhelming. Daniels is originally from California, where he managed other 85☌ stores. Just earning money to pay rent and a cup of coffee is good enough for me.”ĭespite being open for a couple weeks, the ID’s 85☌ has been swamped with long lines. But I enjoy working so I can talk to people. I should have retired a long time ago since all my kids are grown. We have different clientele and different styles of pastries. Lam Tai Cheung, 70, owner of Cake House, said, “It doesn’t have any impact on my business. The key, Poon said, was focusing on the classic flavors and ingredients used in their preparation compared to the modern approach and presentation of companies like 85☌. While 85☌ offers food and drink options that change often, Poon says Yummy House’s strength comes from producing old-fashioned, traditional pastries and offering them at lower prices. But for us, it’s all local - we just have this one shop here.” They have new pastries in all the time, more advertising, more opportunities in general. We’re a family-owned business, so they’re huge compared to us. “For most of us in Chinatown, this is a challenge. Specializing in Hong Kong-style sweets, including sponge cake, mixed fruit cakes, coconut buns, and BBQ pork buns, Yummy House has been open since 1998 and credits itself as being one of the first bakeries in the ID.Ĩ5☌’s opening presents new obstacles for smaller bakeries like it. He bakes and manages production in the kitchen, as well as helping customers up front. New restaurants, retail shops, and cafés have dramatically changed the neighborhood at the expense of older businesses that have been around for decades. However, since the mid 1990s, the ID has undergone a huge transformation, with the last few years ushering in gentrification. A case study conducted by the Seattle Police Department in 1999 described the situation around 5th and Jackson as “an atmosphere of crime and disorder.” The Union Station Market, a mom-and-pop convenience store that used to occupy the current 85☌ location, was a known hotbed that drew transients in the area. ![]() The southeast corner was once especially notorious for panhandlers, alcoholics, drug addicts, and dealers. With the Chinatown-International District Light Rail Station across the street, and the historic Union Station nearby, the intersection of 5th and Jackson is a well-traveled area. “We’re right next to all the major transit hubs, so people will be passing by quite a bit,” he said. The store’s general manager, Michael Daniels, also sees an advantage with the location in the ID. When asked about why 85☌ wanted to open a location in Seattle, Jocson noted the city’s reputation as a coffee capital, which presented an opportunity to offer “premium yet affordable espresso drinks to the community.” “We foresee an opportunity to grow within the community - not only by offering our products, but also job opportunities for locals.” Trendy baked goods and drinks, such as the brioche, cheese dog, and iced sea salt coffee, make it a popular go-to spot, especially for the younger crowd.Ĭhristopher Jocson, marketing and public relations senior specialist for 85☌ Bakery Café, sees potential in the ID location. ![]() 18.Ĩ5☌ describes itself as a one-stop shop for coffee, tea, and bread, made from top quality ingredients with drinks made-to-order. Its fourth location in the greater Seattle area, situated on 5th and Jackson in the ID, is the company’s first store in Seattle. ![]() Named after the belief that 85 degrees Celsius (185F) is the optimal temperature to brew espresso coffee, the company has three local locations in Tukwila, Lynnwood, and Federal Way. But for old-school eateries that have been in the neighborhood for a long time, the presence of the new 85☌ Bakery Café could be detrimental to their livelihood.Ĩ5☌ Bakery Café is a popular Taiwanese bakery franchise with more than 1,000 retail shops internationally. Seattle’s International District (ID) has long been known as a haven for Asian snacks, desserts, and drinks. ![]()
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