Downtown Seattle

Joe & The Juice is expanding its footprint in the Seattle market with a fourth location opening downtown this spring at 1303 Fifth Ave., adding to its existing presence in the region. The concept will offer its full menu of juices, coffee, smoothies and grab-and-go fare, reinforcing its appeal in high-traffic commercial districts.

This move is part of a broader U.S. growth strategy, with the brand planning dozens of new stores nationwide. Seattle — known for its dense office activity and strong daytime foot traffic — continues to attract concepts that blend quick service with lifestyle appeal.

For brokers tracking tenant demand and lease velocity, a few practical takeaways stand out:

• Expansion by experiential food & beverage brands matters: Fast-casual and lifestyle-oriented operators like Joe & The Juice are pursuing visibility in downtown cores where workers, residents and visitors intersect. That supports sustained demand for well-located retail spaces with strong circulation.

• Seattle’s mixed-use corridors remain competitive: Downtown and regional hubs are drawing brands beyond traditional coffee shops, suggesting continued confidence in urban retail density and daily capture.

• Tenant mix evolution benefits brokers and landlords: Concepts that combine beverage, food and convenience merchandizing can complement office and residential traffic, helping to balance between destination and routine visits.

Keeping an eye on how growth brands are choosing locations — and what they value in terms of pedestrian counts, visibility and neighborhood dynamics — remains essential for advising both landlords and occupiers effectively.

https://whatnow.com/seattle/restaurants/joe-the-juice-to-open-fourth-seattle-area-location-downtown-this-spring/

Market Intelligence: The Real Data Behind Downtown Seattle’s 2026 Outlook 🏙️📈

As we look toward the 2026 World Cup, the "recovery" narrative in Seattle has shifted into a "transformation" reality. For brands and retail representatives evaluating the market, the objective data suggests a fundamental change in how the urban core functions.

The following data points are essential for any retail stakeholder currently assessing Downtown Seattle:

1. The "Saturday Shift" & Residential Density The most significant shift in the last 24 months isn't worker return—it's residential growth.

The Data: Downtown now supports over 60,000 occupied apartment units, a 22% increase over 2019.

The Result: Saturday has officially overtaken Wednesday as the busiest day of the week for foot traffic.

The Recommendation: For brands, this changes the staffing and "peak hour" model. Successful retail in this cycle is catering to the 24/7 resident rather than the 9-to-5 commuter.

2. Retail Inventory Scarcity While "empty storefronts" make for popular headlines, the structural data tells a different story.

The Data: Retail inventory in Seattle has actually shrunk since 2020 due to mixed-use conversions. This has kept vacancy rates at a historically tight 3.9%.

The Reality: High-quality, street-level "Class A" retail space is becoming increasingly scarce. Waiting for a "market crash" to sign a lease may result in being priced out of the most viable corridors.

3. The World Cup "Pressure Test" (June 15 – July 6, 2026) Seattle will host 6 matches, including a high-profile U.S. Men’s National Team game.

The Data: An estimated 750,000 visitors will descend on the core. The economic impact is projected at $929M for King County.

The Strategy: Avoid the "event-only" trap. The city's focus on safety (violent crime in the M-sector core is down ~36% year-over-year in late 2025) and the 4-minute Link Light Rail frequency are long-term infrastructure wins. The World Cup is the catalyst, but the infrastructure is built for the decade.

Summary for Brandmarch Partners: The only thing worse than no data is bad data. Seattle is no longer a "commuter city"—it is a high-density, transit-connected residential hub. Brands looking for stability should focus on the Link Light Rail corridor and the revitalized Waterfront.

Read the full context of these shifts here: https://www.knkx.org/business/2025-12-29/downtown-seattle-plans-2026-world-cup

After more than two decades in downtown Seattle, The Cheesecake Factory will permanently close its 700 Pike St. location on May 4. The decision comes after an extensive review and analysis, according to a spokesperson for the restaurant.

While the busy location has been a staple in the area, the company did not provide specific reasons for the closure but emphasized its appreciation for the Seattle community.

The closure is part of a broader shift in downtown Seattle’s retail and dining landscape, following other high-profile exits, including Starbucks’ closure of its 1st and Pike store near Pike Place Market. Despite this change, Cheesecake Factory will continue to serve Seattle-area guests at its other locations.