Well-known downtown Seattle restaurant, The Cheesecake Factory, is closing out after 23 years with its iconic cheesecakes and a huge menu of dishes. The establishment closes for good on May 4, 2025, at 700 Pike Street. It is the end of an era for Seattle locals and tourists who came to the restaurant tired and hungry over the years.
The Cheesecake Factory confirmed the closure to Bloomberg Media in a statement from Alethea Rowe, Senior Director of Public Relations and Global Branding for The Cheesecake Factory, saying that the closure came after an analysis and review that took place. The company did not specify the reasons for the shutdown but stated that they are going to offer the employees transition assistance and possible transfers to other locations.
Impact on Downtown Seattle
It is another major business departing from the urban core of downtown Seattle Cheesecake Factory: the closure comes as the COVID-19 pandemic causes businesses to close all over the world. In the area, foot traffic patterns have changed, and rising operational costs are challenging many of the businesses.
These challenges don’t dissuade the Cheesecake Factory from continuing to deliver service to its Seattle area customers at locations near them at Bellevue, Tacoma, Tukwila, and Lynnwood. For the many who have long enjoyed its proximity to downtown, especially those who come to the Washington State Convention Center events, this closure is a big loss.
Why Is the Cheesecake Factory Closing?
The Seattle location, which has not been explicitly stated as to why it closed, was also one of Ballard’s four stores. But businesses in the area have complained of such things as:
Foot traffic is declining, as the pandemic, many workers have not returned to the office and haven’t brought their lunchtimes or happy hours with them.
Consequently, operating a restaurant in downtown Seattle includes high rents, high staff costs, and depending on your suppliers, high costs.
The company has changed its business environment as there is increased competition and shifting consumer preferences.
An Iconic Dining Spot for Over Two Decades
The Cheesecake Factory in Seattle was popular for its over 250 freshly made dishes and more than 40 different kinds of cheesecake and dessert for decades. It was a popular stop for both locals and tourists and drew business travelers as well.
It was a restaurant that was particularly well-loved for its happy hour deals, large portion sizes, and glad air. This was also due to its central location and being close enough for a quick meal if you were attending a show, shopping, or having a business meeting.
The restaurant, still having one last day of service on May 4 still has some months left for its fans to enjoy their favorite dishes.
A Broader Trend of Restaurant Closures
Cheesecake Factory’s exit from downtown Seattle is among a line of restaurant closings in the area. In fact, over the last few years, several well-known businesses such as Starbucks have also closed and shut down their locations of the same in the city center.
These closures provide an indication of ongoing economic and social issues in downtown Seattle. Business in the city’s business district looks less likely to recover while major restaurants and retailers stay away.
What’s Next for the Location?
A replacement for The Cheesecake Factory at 700 Pike Street is still not known. The location of the space is prime and would be a very nice place to be for a new tenant. But despite the uncertainty of what will replace it, downtown businesses still have to contend with the challenges of downtown businesses.
In the meantime, Seattle area residents will have to go to one of the other locations The Cheesecake Factory has in the area to satisfy their cheesecake, pasta, and signature dish fix.
