Seattle’s historic Virginia Inn is entering a new chapter as longtime employees step up to lead the famed restaurant.
In the 1980s, the V.I., as locals call it, became one of Seattle’s first art bars, showcasing a rotating lineup of local artists. It even appeared in the 1992 film Singles, the restaurant shared via Instagram.
Now, Jackelyn Batingan, Amber Quezada, Manuel Sarabia and Marisa Mohr have officially taken ownership of the 122-year-old establishment, according to a press release.
“We are thrilled to be the new stewards of this historic Seattle establishment,” said the new ownership group in a joint statement. “As longtime employees, we feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to bring our unique personalities, experience, and enthusiasm to this beloved place. We are proud to be a woman, queer, and immigrant-owned business and will continue to be a welcoming and inclusive ‘third place’ for our communities.”
Each new owner shares a special connection to the inn and is eager to carry on its legacy in Pike Place Market.
Sarabia has spent the past 25 years working in Pike Place Market.
“The Market has become my life, my second home, my family. Owning a restaurant here is a dream come true,” he said in a statement.
Batingan agrees the Pike Place community is close-knit. A Seattle native and seasoned service industry professional, she has worked at the V.I. for more than 12 years.
“There’s a closeness here and it has never felt like ‘just a job.’ It’s cheesy, but I’ve always said being at the VI feels like a warm hug,” she said in a statement.
Mohr, originally from California, moved to Seattle 13 years ago and has been tending the inn’s bar for the past seven years.
“I love how the V.I. feels familiar and comforting to so many. I hope to create memories (and cocktails) for many years to come!” she said in a statement.
Finally, Quezada is proud to continue her journey at the inn, marking a milestone as the first queer woman of color at the helm.
What Now Seattle reached out to the group about future plans for the V.I., but the owners have not responded.
The executive director of Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority welcomes the transformation.
“No one knows this restaurant, its history, and its loyal patrons better than they do. The PDA is honored to support them as they carry forward the Virginia Inn’s story as one of Seattle’s most enduring local treasures,” Rachel Ligtenberg said in the statement.
This comes after the restaurant closed on April 27 when the landlord and the PDA terminated the lease following unsuccessful negotiations for an equitable agreement. Three weeks later, the PDA granted a reprieve from eviction, allowing the business to resume operations as usual, according to an Instagram post.
The group took over in November. For the latest updates, visit the Virginia Inn’s website and follow along on Instagram and Facebook.
