Listen to The Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin Show weekdays 9am - noon on KIRO Newsradio.
The closure of all five Blazing Bagels locations due to bankruptcy is another sign of Seattle’s “sad reality,” according to KIRO host Gee Scott. He doesn’t blame the chain, but instead blames the city’s soaring rents, minimum wage, and overall affordability crisis that are squeezing businesses out.
“It’s not the fault of Blazing Bagels. It’s the fault of the prices being way too high for what they have to charge to be able to pay the minimum wage, to be able to afford where they’re leasing, the rent every single month, and to afford their bills,” Gee said onNot only was the closure a surprise to employees, but the business had plans to expand. Gee said not only is it hard for businesses to thrive in Seattle, but it’s tough to afford to live in the area. He pointed out that mid-tier restaurants now charge what fine dining establishments used to. “There used to be a time when the bill was $125 for a family of four. We had a great time. We enjoyed that. It was a really nice restaurant — $125. Now, you’re going to some of these restaurants, they’re not necessarily considered fine dining, a mid-tier type restaurant, and your family of four is spending $100,” he said. Restaurants can’t afford to be mediocre anymore, Gee noted. One lackluster meal, and they’ve lost a customer. “This is why restaurants are one of the hardest businesses to open and continue going,” he said. “Your restaurant has to be exceptional, and then you’re like, ‘OK, I might come back.'”“You used to pay for that pho and a spring roll for $7, and now you’re paying $20. The problem is our wages haven’t caught up to what we are going through right now,” he said.Harger: Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson keeps making big announcements and leaving before the questions start Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has been busy. Big speeches. Big announcements. Big initiatives. She's two months into leading Seattle and moving fast. ‘Inventory is one of the biggest problems’: Gee backs idea to turn empty Seattle office building into apartments ‘We’re really proud of that’: Pierce County executive says crime, especially violent crime, is trending down‘They’re just doing their job?’: Curley questions new policy requiring SPD to document ICE encountersChrystal Ortega's tireless dedication recently earned her the WSECU Community Champions Award and a $1,000 grant to further the mission.When Shawn Tibbitts opened Tibbitts FernHill, he was just trying to survive. The small Tacoma restaurant has since earned culinary awards and praise.Wilcox Family Farms is continuing its cherished holiday tradition of giving back by donating nearly one million eggs to food banks across the South Sound region this season.Matthew Ballantyne has transformed that early awareness into action, embodying the organization's mission:"No Kid Sleeps On The Floor In Our Town."Discover Kitsap County’s creative soul: Where Nordic charm meets gothic gardens and ancient traditions thrive Kitsap County is full of wonderfully weird, authentically artsy, and unexpectedly magical corners that make visitors become locals and locals never want to leave.
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