Pike Place Market PDA statement - Virginia Inn

“First and foremost, the PDA has worked diligently with the owner of The Virginia Inn for nearly a year in hopes of finding a path forward—we did and do not want them to leave the Market. The Pike Place Market PDA never wants to see a business owner leave. We deeply value the small and unique businesses that make the Market so special and help it thrive as Seattle’s largest incubator of independent businesses. To clarify, our goal moving forward is to find a new partner and steward for this Seattle icon so it can remain. The Virginia Inn has had several owners over the years with the current owner in place for the last 5 years.

The Virginia Inn has been operating with the current owner on a month-to-month basis after choosing not to sign a five-year lease extension with terms in line with similar businesses at the Market. Over several months, the PDA offered numerous opportunities to either negotiate a new lease or sell the business, but the current owner did not pursue either path. As a result, the PDA was forced to end their month-to-month tenancy.

While we don’t discuss the details of individual leases, we’re committed to fair and competitive terms for all Market businesses. As a public agency, we must ensure leases are consistent across tenants and cannot offer significantly lower terms to one business over others.

We recognize and appreciate The Virginia Inn’s long history at the Market, and we share in the disappointment that the current owner chose not to work with us. Ultimately, our role is to be stewards of this historic public Market and protect the long-term health and fairness of the environment that nearly 500 small businesses rely on every day. The PDA fully intends to find a new steward for the iconic Virginia Inn.”