The Virginia Inn, One of Seattle’s Oldest Restaurants, Has New Owners | Eater Seattle

"After an unusually turbulent year, one of Seattle’s oldest restaurants is staying put, neon sign and all. The 122-year-old spot next to Pike Place Market—known as the V.I.—was purchased by four employees (Amber Quezada, Jackelyn Batingan, Manuel Sarabia, and Marisa Mohr), all industry vets who together have worked at the restaurant for more than 25 years, and they aren’t in a hurry to change much: the low-key space remains, as does the menu of Pacific Northwest stuff like mussels, smoked salmon, and sandwiches. Earlier this year the previous owner announced a closure amid a dispute with the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority and even took the famous neon sign home, but the eviction was withdrawn, the sign has been retrieved and reinstalled at Virginia Street and First Avenue, the market has been supportive, and the new team has a five-year lease with plans to stay even longer." - Harry Cheadle