More Good News Than Not In Downtown Renton

There is good news and bad news in downtown Renton these days. I thought I’d take a quick spin around town and report on what’s happening.

First, the bad news. Another downtown restaurant —  — has closed its doors, after a relatively short stint in downtown Renton. Once again, we have high hopes that something new will occupy the space soon.

So let’s move right on to the good news. The space recently vacated by has been leased. Keep your eyes out for Dionisio Grill. Denny Dochnahl reported that the new restaurant will offer Filipino fare and be open on or before Nov. 1.

A little bird told me — but I can't report it yet, officially that a very popular restaurant owner in downtown Renton plans to open two new restaurants soon. Stay tuned to Patch on this one; I'll let you know as soon as we can share information.

All in the name of research for this article — of course — I’m happy to report that is now open for lunch. My husband and I stopped in recently — right after to sample the food and wash it down with a cold beer (research, research, you know).

We shared the Wurst Plate which was an ample amount of food for two light eaters. We had our choice of sausages and we chose a bratwurst (natch, we’re from Green Bay), and a spicy Cajun sausage. The brat was a foot long, and fresh and delicious. It was accompanied by amazing sauerkraut, spicy brown mustard and dill potato salad. Lydia & Dennis, the owners told us that they plan to offer schnitzel soon. As this is my all-time favorite food, I can’t wait to try it.

We washed our sausages down with a Radeburger Pils, which was clean and crisp and a Hofbrau Lager, which my husband reported as super, and full flavored. We liked that there are three choices of sizes in the beer selection.

Pop! Gourmet has built a new production facility on Main Ave. S just a block a way from its old Houser space. David Israel, the store's operations person said, "It is four times the size which has allowed for all of our new production equipment, and the ability to add more as our presence in the retail corridor expands."

"Pop has launched new branding, packaging and has some cobranded products with Bacon Salt and the Company Oil and Vinegar into the retail market including Lucky Strike, Majestic Bay Theaters and soon in Thriftway and hopefully the Boeing stores," Israel said. They promise more to come. Way to go .

DC’s Bar & Grill just celebrated their 3^rd Anniversary (congratulations, DC’s!) and celebrated with a remodel around Memorial Day. They have painted the walls, added wainscoting, and spruced up the bar and added several taps to the bar. Let DC’s be the model for other downtown businesses that need a little sprucing up.

Likewise, we give applause to GHY Bikes for a new sign outside of their business, painted by Renton artist Norman Peterson, who can often be seen at or riding his bike around town.

deserves major accolades for continuing to examine his business model, try out new marketing strategies and always, always keeping his customers in mind. He’s offering lower-price jewelry for the cost-conscious customer as well as his usual unique and beautifully selected higher-price items.

My husband treated me to a pair of rose-gold hoop earrings recently, and they didn’t break the bank. They are my new go-to item for every day.

If you need a special gift, Garland’s is the one-stop shop. Did you know they carry more than just jewelry? Check out their beautiful selection of vases.

I stopped to say hi to Mary Clymer the other day at , and was happy to walk out with a gift of some amazing soaps for my sister. Stop in and say hi frequently. Her inventory always changes.

And, after your gift buying stop for a latte next door at . Owner Mike Moskowitz will greet you with a hello and a cool or hot beverage of your choice.

Haven’t been to La Hacienda recently? Don’t forget them either. I’ve never met a tostada that I didn’t like — and they make fine ones.

For every person that is sad about a downtown business closing, just remember these hard-working small business owners — and continue to patronize your downtown.

*Editor's Note: The original article misstated David Israel's title at Pop! Gourmet Popcorn. He is the operations person. Patch regrets the error.