Category Archives: Business

Culinary Dreams Blossomed Into Mimi’s Bakery and Floral

by Jessie McKenna

This article first appeared as a blog post for Beacon Business Alliance (BBA).


For 30 years, an unassuming little bakery on Beacon Ave just south of Columbian Way has quietly churned out baked goods for Beacon Hill and beyond. Eight years ago, Nga Do (“Nn-yah Doh”) bought Mimi’s Bakery and Floral and started living her dream as a culinary queen and florist extraordinaire — and if you have a large event to pull off, she’s got you covered there too.

Continue reading Culinary Dreams Blossomed Into Mimi’s Bakery and Floral

Big Chickie Bids Farewell to Its Hillman City Home of Five Years

by Jessie McKenna

With nearly 2,000 followers, 146 recommendations, and 4.8 out of five stars on Facebook, Big Chickie has made quite an impression in its five years serving Southeast Seattle, with comments from fans like “We love big chickie! Yummy food and fun atmosphere” and “Mashed potatoes and gravy. The best ever.” Unfortunately for fans, restaurant owners announced on Friday, December 6 that they would close permanently in just one week, hosting their last dinner service on Friday, December 13. However, owner Matthew Stubbs says there’s been such a frenzy of patronage over the last few days that they will likely run out of food before then. He says customers should call ahead if they want to know what’s available to save themselves the trip if their favorite dishes are no more. Continue reading Big Chickie Bids Farewell to Its Hillman City Home of Five Years

Amy’s Merkato Serves Southeast Seattle Eclectic Ethiopian, Mediterranean Fare…and So Much More

by Jessie McKenna

This article first appeared as the second part of a series of blog posts for Rainier Ave Business Coalition (RainierABC).

Amy’s Merkato restaurant, deli, bakery, coffee shop, and Ethiopian and Eritrean market boasts big Rainier Ave storefront windows right in the heart of Hillman City—but it’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it, and you’re missing out if you don’t. We sat down with co-owner Yodit (pronounced “Yoh-deet”) Seyoum, who also goes by Judy, to learn more about her cafe and the rich history behind it. Continue reading Amy’s Merkato Serves Southeast Seattle Eclectic Ethiopian, Mediterranean Fare…and So Much More

QueenCare supports youth entrepreneurship, combats gentrification

by Susan Fried

QueenCare offers a line of skincare products at its new storefront at 3702 S. Hudson St. in Columbia City. But its mission runs deeper, providing mentorship for young women and fighting against the ongoing gentrification in the South End.

Continue reading QueenCare supports youth entrepreneurship, combats gentrification

News Gleams: Rainier Beach Chamber embarks on storytelling project, Molly Moon’s joins Seattle Pride Dine OUT

Collected by Emerald Staff

Connect 10,000 highlights diversity, vitality of Rainier Valley businesses and community

The Rainier Valley Chamber of Commerce has received a $53,000 grant to support local storytelling among about South End business owners and managers, particularly women and people of color.

Continue reading News Gleams: Rainier Beach Chamber embarks on storytelling project, Molly Moon’s joins Seattle Pride Dine OUT

Family First at Hill City Tap Room

by Marcus Harrison Green

Child-rearing may provide plenty of joys, but it also provides an upheaval to life as usual.  Spur of the moment hang outs with friends become non-existent. And bar-hopping with comrades takes place only after painstaking coordination with babysitters, family members, or the other parental unit’s schedule. Continue reading Family First at Hill City Tap Room

For Local Merchants, Small Biz Saturday Outpaces Black Friday Rush

by Marcus Harrison Green

Count Monika Matthews among the growing legion of Americans who abhor the consumerist carnage induced by Black Friday, the day when retail store aisles become indiscernible from WWE wrestling rings. Continue reading For Local Merchants, Small Biz Saturday Outpaces Black Friday Rush

Hillman City BBQ Seasons Every Bite with Love and Family

by Marcus Harrison Green

“Love and family…”

From offerings of supple beef brisket to taste-bud charming pulled pork sandwiches; the above ingredients, more than any other, are essential to every entrée found at Emma’s BBQ, according to Tess Thomas, the owner of Hillman’s City’s newest restaurant. Continue reading Hillman City BBQ Seasons Every Bite with Love and Family

Clockwork Counter Caters to Health Conscious, Burgeoning Artists

by Makayla Miles

The homemade signs made with construction paper and marker glued to the glass windows and front door are the first things you notice before stepping into ClockWork Counter Bakery and Cafe. The inviting signs announce freshly baked bread, spicy chicken baked buns, scones, pound cake and chocolate chip cookies. They clearly state that all of these items are priced under five dollars. Another sign that proudly reads, “Black business” stands out from all the rest, making this bakery even more interesting. Continue reading Clockwork Counter Caters to Health Conscious, Burgeoning Artists