Linda Tenney sells to All-Star Toyota

All-Star Toyota, a Portland based car dealership, recently took over Linda Tenney Toyota from longtime owner Linda Tenney. The Lake City store is the first one in the Puget Sound area for All-Star Toyota. They have many locations in the Portland area. All-Star manager Willie Higgins said that the location is good because it is near other large car dealerships. "There is a good market in the Seattle area," he added. Car shoppers can find new Toyotas, certified used Toyotas, and a variety of other used cars at All-Star. After decades in the Lake City area, Higgins says that Tenney had grown tired of the business and was ready to move on. All-Star Toyota is located at 13355 Lake City Way NE.

Paul Willis elected President of NUFA

Paul Willis, owner of Don Willis Furniture in Lake City and Ballard, has been elected president of the National Unfinished Furniture Association. Willis has served on the association's board of directors for several years, most recently as the education committee chair.

Paul's father, Don, started Don Willis Furniture 52 years ago in his garage on Lake City Way. Paul Willis became company president in 1980. It is now one of the largest all wood furniture stores in the Northwest, selling both finished and unfinished items.

Founded in 1990, the NUFA has about 700 members. "One of the association's goals is to provide better education for the retailers by uniting them with the furniture manufacturers and their representatives," said Paul Willis. Willis said that working closely with regional manufacturers is one way to effectively compete with imported furniture.

Don Willis Furniture has stores at 10516 Lake City Way NE and at 1712 NW Market St.

Family Center finds new home

The North Seattle Family Center has moved from its old location at 13540 Lake City Way to a new address: 3200 NE 125th St., suite 2. Its phone number will remain the same: 206-364-7930. The Family Center offers a number of programs and services, including English as a Second Language classes, parent empowerment classes, a young parent support group, and First Aid/CPR classes.

Longtime grocer opens Fremont Fresh Market

The Fremont Fresh Market opened earlier this year in downtown Fremont. Owner Ross Angeledes said he was amazed to find a space large enough for the store in such a terrific location. A Rite-Aid drugstore and a pottery shop that previously occupied the building had shut down, creating an opportunity for the Fremont Fresh Market. Angeledes has been in the grocery business for 25 years, previously managing Thriftway and QFC stores. He felt that the time was right to bring a market to the Fremont area. The market features an old-fashioned butcher department, fresh food in the deli, and a large floral operation. The deli is run by Viggo Anderson. Anderson became a Cordon Bleu chef in 1980 and has served as head chef in many different restaurants. "He takes food pretty seriously," says Angeledes of Anderson. The Fremont Fresh Market is located at 3601 Fremont Ave N.

Kathleen's Full Size Fashions moves to Pinehurst

After 14 years in Ballard, Kathleen's Full Size Fashions recently moved to Pinehurst. Owner Kathleen Doemland said she had been searching for a spot that was more convenient for her customers. The new location provides easier access and dedicated parking. It is also 1,000 square feet larger than the Ballard store. Kathleen's specializes in full-size women's clothing. Doemland believes that large size women have a right to the best fashions and fabrics available. An extensive bridal salon is part of the new Pinehurst store. Kathleen's also has dresses for proms and other special occasions. Doemland was an elementary school teacher for 22 years before deciding to make a change and open her own business. She took the risk and has enjoyed it ever since. Kathleen's is located at 12000 15th Ave NE.

King Ludwig's opens in Maple Leaf

A slice of Europe has come to the Maple Leaf neighborhood. King Ludwig's Tyrol Restaurant recently opened in the same building where The Bells restaurant had operated for several generations. Authentic Hungarian and German meals such as Jaegerschnitzel and Paprika Chicken are created by chef Karoy Kis. A large selection of imported beer and wine accompany an extensive dinner menu. Traditional appetizers such as Langos bread and Bismarck herring are also served. King Ludwig's Tyrol Restaurant features live music Thursday through Sunday. Included is traditional German folk tunes, waltzes, and polkas. The restaurant has European accessories on the inside and renovations to the outside will include murals of German, Hungarian, and Austrian scenery. King Ludwig's also operates a popular restaurant in Leavenworth. The Tyrol Restaurant opens at 4 p.m. for dinner only. Accommodations are available for private parties, meetings, and wedding receptions. The Tyrol is located at 8501 5th Ave. NE.

Northgate Chamber to form

For many years, businesses located in the Northgate shopping district have had to decide between joining the various surrounding neighborhood Chambers. Now they will have the opportunity to form one of their own.

Currently, many businesses belong to the Greater Lake City/Northeast Seattle Chamber. The Lake City Chamber has an office and an executive director that they would be willing to share to pool costs while the Northgate Chamber is forming.

City of Seattle Community Organizer Matt Lincecum has been working as a contact person for businesses interested in joining. He can be reached at 684-4965.

Silver Platters chain sold to 2 longtime employees

Silver Platters, a regional chain of stores that sells music CDs and DVDs, was recently purchased by two longtime employees. New owners Dean Bryant and Mike Batt, both of whom have worked for the 15-year-old company for more than a decade, bring with them hands-on experience. Batt, now vice president, will continue his role as the company's head buyer. Bryant, who most recently managed Silver Platters' Northgate store (located at 9560 1st Avenue NE, just south of the mall), has assumed the role of president and CEO. Silver Platters also has a store in Bellevue, which doubles as the chain's headquarters, and a store in the Southcenter area. "I feel lucky to have had the advantage of working directly with our customers for so long," said Bryant. "The feedback I've received over the years will help with the decisions I'll make in the future." Bryant and Batt purchased the company from Silver Platters' founders, two former Boeing engineers who wanted to get out of the CD business, but wanted to make sure its new owners would keep the company intact, said Michael Danks, who now manages the Northgate Silver Platters.

Upper Crust settles into old Greenwood building

The Upper Crust is glad to be in Greenwood. And considering that the catering company spent four months refurbishing a rundown building in the heart of Greenwood's commercial district, the neighborhood should be glad to have them.

A full-service caterer for groups, ranging in size from 10 to 2,000 people, the Upper Crust moved to Greenwood earlier this year after 10 years in the Magnolia neighborhood.

Owner Jim Lustig says that he and his employees love being in Greenwood. "It's a fabulous area with high visibility. People care about this area," he says. Lustig says he is also excited that the once sleepy neighborhood is changing and becoming more vibrant.

When Lustig bought the building on the southeast corner of Greenwood Avenue North and North 85th Street last August, it was in bad shape. The building, which formerly housed Buddy's Homesick Cafe, had sat empty for over two years since Buddy's closed. "It was a mess in there. It was rancid," says Lustig.

Four months later, the inside of the building had been gutted and remodeled. The Upper Crust kitchen and offices are now located on the ground floor while the top level is a banquet hall called the Greenwood Square.

The Greenwood Square is a separate business from the Upper Crust, but is also owned by Lustig. It can be used for weddings, receptions, and various types of parties.