Seattle’s restaurant community gathered on Wednesday, July 8, for another installment of What Now Media Group’s Accelerate series. Held at 8 Ping Yang, located at 1412 E. Union Street in Seattle, led by Marian Ebhamen, What Now Media Group’s Event Host, provided an opportunity for restaurateurs, hospitality professionals, and industry service providers to connect, exchange ideas, and build new business relationships.
Throughout the afternoon, attendees discussed restaurant operations, growth strategies, and the evolving needs of the hospitality industry. Overall, 19 hospitality professionals representing 12 businesses and seven partner representatives from five companies attended the event.
Restaurant & Hospitality Attendees
8 Ping Yang: 1412 E Union St., Seattle, WA 98122
Partner Benjamin Evans represented 8 Ping Yang, which hosted the event and welcomed hospitality professionals from across the region. The Thai restaurant on Capitol Hill blends traditional flavors with creative culinary techniques.
Vice Seattle / Blend / Forum Social House – Seattle and Bellevue
Managing Partner Noah Garoutte represented Vice Seattle, Blend, and Forum Social House, drawing on insights from multiple hospitality concepts in the Seattle market. The group’s venues span nightlife, dining, coffee, and entertainment experiences.
Bodega by Ox / Ox Centralia – Centralia
Owner Samuel Cots and Co-Owner Irene Trevino represented Bodega by Ox and Ox Centralia, sharing perspectives from their growing restaurant portfolio. Bodega by Ox is centered around a modern bodega-inspired concept, and Ox Centralia shines as a neighborhood restaurant.
Pour Decisions Taphouse – 17401 133rd Ave NE c104 Woodinville, WA 98072
Co-Owners Michael “Mike” Schumacher and Jenny Schumacher attended on behalf of Pour Decisions Taphouse, a spot known for its craft beer selection, casual atmosphere, and community-focused approach.
Gritz N Gravy – 103 Yelm Ave. Yelm WA 98597
Co-Owners Jamie Metz and Trevor Metz represented Gritz N Gravy, a Yelm-based Southern-inspired restaurant coming soon. It will focus on all-day breakfast and classic American comfort food, with hearty, flavorful dishes.
Ricky’s Lounge – 1111 Tacoma Ave S., Tacoma, WA 98402
Owner Santino Telles attended alongside Jessica Telles, baker at Ricky’s Lounge. The Tacoma-based concept is opening this year and will offer baked goods in a lounge atmosphere.
Capitale Pizzeria – 426 Broadway E, Seattle, WA 98102
Owner Rodrigo Parisi represented Capitale Pizzeria, a Seattle pizzeria focused on traditional Italian flavors and handcrafted pies. The concept brings together quality ingredients, classic techniques, and a passion for authentic pizza.
Brass Steak & Seafood – 14000 Village Rd. Woodinville, WA 98072
Co-Owners Kyle Quinn and Christopher Saenz attended on behalf of Brass Steak & Seafood. A highly anticipated steakhouse coming to Woodinville this summer, it will specialize in premium cuts, seafood selections, and an elevated dining experience.
The Redd Dog / Redd Dog Brewing Co. – Bellevue, Tacoma, and Puyallup
Area Manager Amanda Lynn represented The Redd Dog / Redd Dog Brewing Co. The casual restaurant and brewery chain serves craft beer, pizza, sandwiches, and other comfort food offerings, and operates locations in Bellevue, Tacoma, and Puyallup.
Yoka Tea – 5335 Ballard Avenue Northwest, Seattle, WA 98107
Owner Marcellus Beza attended, representing Yoka Tea. A Seattle-based specialty café that is expanding, it celebrates Korean and Filipino flavors through handcrafted matcha, tea, coffee, and boba.
Yella Beak Saloon – 23525 SE 436th St #9067, Enumclaw, WA 98022
Co-Owner Marianne Eveland and Social Event Coordinator Liz Gingrich represented Yella Beak Saloon. The neighborhood bar and grill is known for its lively atmosphere, craft cocktails, local beer selection, and approachable menu.
The Crawlspace Gastropub – 3041 78th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040
Co-Owner Jason Farrish attended on behalf of The Crawlspace Gastropub. With an elevated take on classic comfort food and craft beverages, it offers a laid-back atmosphere that blends pub vibes with creative plates.
Elsom Cellars – Edmonds and Woodinville
Owner Danielle King represented Elsom Cellars. Based in the Seattle area, Elsom Cellars operates a social club in Edmonds and a winery in Woodinville. They make small-batch wines from grapes grown in the region’s vineyards.
Hospitality Partners
In addition to restaurant operators, the event featured several hospitality partner attendees. Specializing in payroll, payment technology, restaurant operations, linen services, and business solutions, these companies provide products and services that help operators streamline daily operations and support long-term growth.
Auris
SPA Michelle Nagy represented Auris, which provides HR and payroll solutions designed to support hospitality businesses with workforce management and employee administration. The company helps streamline essential back-office functions, including payroll processing, compliance support, benefits administration, and HR services.
Global Payments – Genius Point of Sale
Software Relationship Managers Jimi Hicks and Massimo Aldini represented Global Payments‘ Genius Point-of-Sale platform, which provides payment processing and POS technology designed to help hospitality businesses improve operational efficiency. The platform offers integrated tools for managing transactions, customer interactions, and business operations.
Restaurant Technologies, Inc.
Sales Executive Adam Linden represented Restaurant Technologies, Inc., which provides automated cooking oil management solutions that help restaurants improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The company’s system streamlines oil handling, reduces waste, and maintains cleaner, safer kitchen environments.
Service Linen Supply
Account Executive Jessi Holt represented Service Linen Supply, a provider of linens, uniforms, and facility service programs for hospitality businesses. The brand helps hospitality ventures maintain professional standards through its textile solutions and reliable service and support.
SpotOn
Hospitality Specialists Amelia Weeks and Anthony Savini represented SpotOn, which offers restaurant technology solutions including point-of-sale systems, payment processing, and business management tools. The platform offers ways to streamline operations, improve guest experiences, and manage key aspects — all from one integrated system.
What Now Media Group shares restaurant opening news in 33 cities across North America, breaking news, and provides timely insight into yet-to-open brick-and-mortar businesses. The platform shares news of thousands of openings across all 33 cities annually.
Stay tuned for future Accelerate events from What Now Media Group in 2026. For more details, see the Accelerate page here.
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