EVERETT — A national barbecue dining chain plans to open at the Everett Mall this fall, giving the shopping center a full restaurant for the first time in three years.
Construction on the new Famous Dave’s has begun in the northwest corner of the mall’s parking lot. The barbecue joint will feature a full bar and an outdoor seating area.
Linda Johannes, Everett Mall’s general manager, said it’s long been a goal of hers to have a full-service restaurant to complement the mall.
“That has been one area we’ve needed to fill for a long time,” Johannes said.
Mr. Bill’s, a locally owned eatery, closed in early 2005 to make room for the Borders Books &Music store inside the mall. Since then, the various fast-food outlets at the food court have been the only option for eating there.
The Famous Dave’s menu includes ribs, steaks, chicken, fish and salads. Items are served family-style. The Minnesota-based chain was founded in 1995 by Dave Anderson, who also helped to launch the Rainforest Cafe chain.
Johannes described the Famous Dave’s atmosphere as “downhome, fun and funky.”
There now are 170 Famous Dave’s locations, including four in Washington. The chain’s corporate office could not be reached for comment on its expansion in Everett.
Since the Everett Mall’s dramatic makeover and expansion in 2005 and 2006, change has come at a slower pace. In addition to the new restaurant, however, the mall plans to renovate the exterior of the Macy’s store and upgrade the east parking lot this summer.
Also in the past few months, Cinnabon and Sbarro have opened in the mall, and Subway has moved within the food court and opened a new outlet.
Reporter Eric Fetters: 425-339-3453 or fetters@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
