As Ana Sofia reported yesterday, several food business—Mr. Gyros, Neptune Coffee, and Quick Stop Grocery—were completely destroyed yesterday in an explosion caused by a natural gas leak. Damage to the building, which housed all three businesses, is estimated at three million dollars.
Other nearby restaurants, such as Hummus Cafe, Chaco Canyon Cafe, Coyle’s Bakeshop, experienced some property damage but will be able to re-open.
Today, from 11:30 am to midnight, Naked City Brewery & Taphouse is donating 100% of all proceeds from the sale of its Greenwood Phoenix Golden Ale to relief efforts funded by the Phinney Neighborhood Assocation (PNA). (The beer was originally brewed as part of a fundraiser for the nearby Taproot Theatre, but Naked City and Taproot decided to put those efforts on hold to address the neighborhood’s more immediate needs.) Other fundraising events are planned; PNA has a list here.
The area around Greenwood and 85th has long been home to a variety of cuisines, including Mexican (La Conasupo, La Botana), Indian (Kalia), and greasy diner food (the Baranof, North Star). It’s also no stranger to tragedy. In 2009, arson attacks took out several business, including one of the neighborhood’s best restaurants, Szechuan Bistro. Sadly, Szechuan Bistro never reopened, but others did, including Taproot Theatre.
