Seattle’s Mecca Cafe Reopens With Alleged Sexual Assaulter David Meinert as Owner | Eater Seattle

"I found that this longtime Queen Anne diner and bar, a 90-year-old establishment, is now fully owned by nightlife entrepreneur David Meinert after a purchase announced in June; a campaign to block his liquor license failed because the accusations against him (11 women alleged misconduct ranging from sexual misconduct to rape in 2018, some incidents reported to police) did not result in convictions or charges, and the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board issued the license mid-September to Queen Anne Diner LLC (fully owned by Meinert), with him taking control on September 19. The Mecca quietly closed for renovations before reopening, and I noticed the retro interior has mostly been preserved aside from minor additions such as dubious artwork apparently showing a biker flipping the bird. The menu remains relatively similar but has been tweaked toward "diner food but trendy," with items like a bourbon-bleu burger and a vegetarian Reuben, and many items saw small price increases (about $0.25 to a few dollars). Former owner Karon Hanke said she did not believe the accusations and felt comfortable selling, but many Seattleites threatened boycotts; since reopening I've seen some negative Yelp and Google reviews complaining about quality (noting the staff has completely changed) and objecting to Meinert's ownership. The place still presents itself as serving American comfort food in a dimly lit lounge with a notable weekday happy hour (M–F 4pm–6pm) offering its famous cheeseburger and fries for $3.50." - Tim Forster