Have you discovered a new favorite restaurant during The Seattle Medium’s Pack the House campaign? Is there a restaurant you’ve been meaning to try but haven’t found the time to visit? Or have you been following the campaign from the sidelines, wondering if it’s too late to participate?
Whatever the case, this is your week.
After 10 weeks of highlighting Black-owned restaurants throughout Seattle and South King County, the highly successful Pack the House campaign is entering its final phase with Circle Back Week, an opportunity for the community to revisit restaurants they’ve enjoyed, discover establishments they haven’t tried and introduce friends and family to some of the area’s Black-owned dining destinations.
According to Chris B. Bennett, publisher and CEO of The Seattle Medium, the response from both restaurant owners and the community has exceeded expectations.
“This campaign has been an overwhelming success, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the response we’ve received from the community,” said Bennett. “The restaurant owners have been extremely appreciative, and the community has really stepped up. I think this campaign has demonstrated what can happen when a community makes a deliberate decision to support its own businesses. It’s been very encouraging to see, and hopefully, it’s something we can continue to build on.”
But Bennett emphasized that Circle Back Week is about more than celebrating the campaign’s success. It’s about reinforcing the message that has been at the heart of the effort from the beginning: Supporting Black-owned restaurants must extend beyond a single visit or featured week.
“We don’t want people to think that just because the campaign is coming to an end, their support should end as well,” said Bennett. “If you went to a restaurant and enjoyed the food and the experience, go back. If there was a restaurant you wanted to try but didn’t get a chance to visit, now is the perfect time. And if you haven’t participated at all, it’s not too late. The most important thing is that we continue supporting these businesses long after the campaign is over.”
Throughout Pack the House, restaurant owners have shared stories of family legacies, personal sacrifices, financial challenges and the determination required to operate an independent restaurant. They’ve also introduced readers to everything from Southern comfort food and Caribbean cuisine to Italian specialties and plant-based favorites.
For those looking for somewhere to start, here’s a look back at the 10 restaurants featured during the campaign and some of the experiences waiting to be enjoyed.
Island Soul, Columbia City
Owner Theo Martin brings Southern and Caribbean flavors together at Island Soul, where seafood gumbo, catfish and oxtails are among the favorites. Rooted in family traditions and a culinary legacy that began with his father, Island Soul offers flavorful food and the kind of hospitality that makes customers feel like family.
Emma’s BBQ, Hillman City
At Emma’s BBQ, owner Tess Anderson and her family continue a barbecue tradition built on recipes passed down through generations. Meats are smoked low and slow for eight to 12 hours, complemented by homemade sauces and family spice blends. After losing a significant source of revenue when the restaurant’s Lumen Field concession operations ended, the family continues working to preserve a culinary legacy more than a century in the making.
Black & Tan Hall, Rainier Valley
For diners seeking food and entertainment, Black & Tan Hall combines soulful, elevated cuisine with live music, art and culture. Chef Tay’s approach to food complements a restaurant and lounge experience that celebrates creativity. Recognized in The Seattle Medium’s Best of the Best Northwest Readers’ Choice Awards for its live music venue, Black & Tan Hall offers an opportunity to enjoy dinner while experiencing local talent.
Simply Soulful Café
Simply Soulful brings the warmth of Southern home cooking to the table with comforting dishes rooted in family recipes. Known for its soul food and welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant offers diners an opportunity to enjoy familiar flavors and traditional cooking.
Fat’s Chicken and Waffles, Central District
Owner Erika White has spent more than a decade serving New Orleans-inspired comfort food on Cherry Street. The restaurant’s signature chicken and waffles, popular Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit Sandwich and Seafood Sampler are among the reasons customers keep returning. With biscuits baked fresh each morning and sauces made in-house, Fat’s combines scratch cooking with a lively atmosphere where customers sometimes find themselves dancing at their tables.
Wally’s NW Soul Experience, Central District
At Wally’s NW Soul, owner Walter Washington starts preparing food early each morning, making everything fresh rather than relying on canned or reheated dishes. The menu includes smoked turkey legs, crispy fried catfish, jumbo prawns, macaroni and cheese, hand-peeled candied yams and jambalaya with Cajun cream sauce.
La Spiga, Capitol Hill
For those looking to experience something different, La Spiga offers traditional Italian cuisine in a distinctive dining atmosphere. With handmade pasta, lasagna and other Italian specialties, the restaurant provides an inviting setting for a dinner date, family gathering or evening out with friends.
Moe Vegan, Kent
Don’t let the word “vegan” keep you from trying Moe Vegan. Located along Pacific Highway in Kent, owner Kae Hart specializes in flavorful plant-based comfort food, including burgers, tacos, fried chicken and mac and cheese. Inspired by the memory of his late brother Maurice, Hart has created a menu designed to appeal to vegans and meat eaters alike.
Marjorie, Central District
Donna Moodie’s Marjorie brings Caribbean-inspired flavors, art, music and hospitality together at Midtown Square. Signature steel drum plantains, tender oxtails and scratch-made bread pudding are among the dishes that reflect the restaurant’s culinary traditions.
Classic Eats, Olde Burien
Chef Tony Hayes blends his New Orleans roots with Northwest influences at Classic Eats, where the menu features jambalaya grits, Cajun chicken pasta, meatloaf sliders, seafood pasta and shrimp étouffée. Known for its brunch offerings, vintage atmosphere and welcoming service, Classic Eats offers a wide variety of dishes in the heart of historic Olde Burien.
Building on the Success of Pack the House
Bennett said the campaign’s success would not have been possible without the commitment and collaboration of its community partners: the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, Byrd Barr Place and the Central Area Collaborative.
“One thing I really want to emphasize is that we could not have done this without our community partners,” said Bennett. “Their commitment to this campaign, their willingness to work together and the support they’ve provided have been immeasurable. This is a great example of what we can accomplish when organizations come together with a common purpose and a genuine commitment to supporting our community.”
Bennett also expressed appreciation to the restaurant owners who shared their stories and the residents who responded to the call to support local businesses.
While the campaign has focused on 10 Black-owned restaurants, Bennett said the larger goal has always been to encourage people to make a conscious effort to support the local Black-owned business community as a whole.
“Pack the House was never intended to be just about these 10 restaurants,” said Bennett. “We wanted to use this campaign to encourage people to think about where they’re spending their money and the impact those decisions can have on our local businesses. We hope this is just the beginning of a greater commitment to supporting our Black-owned business community, with special emphasis on our restaurants, because they need that consistent support.”
Pack the House is a 10-week community initiative presented by The Seattle Medium, the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, Byrd Barr Place and the Central Area Collaborative. For more information about participating restaurants, visit PackTheHouseSeattle.com.
