SHORELINE — Perhaps the owner of Leena’s Cafe obtained the idea for his latest business strategy from the notion that other things besides food complement one another.
After all, inside improvements pair well with outside ones.
Nick Athan, who has owned Leena’s Cafe, in the North City Business District, for 11 years, recently completed a light remodel of the cafe’s interior, including new carpet and paint.
He opted to close the cafe for 10 days after coordinating with city staff during roadway renovation. This enabled interior work on the cafe to be completed while the installation of underground utilities was being finished in front of the restaurant.
“People love it,” Athan said. “They say it is the only place they go that keeps updating,”
Athan, who named the cafe after his 14-year-old daughter, had considered the remodel for about six months. When he found out the city had planned upcoming improvements for 15th Avenue NE, he decided it was an optimal time to complete both projects simultaneously.
Three years ago, Athan remodeled the entire cafe, which included expanding the cafe, for a total of about $70,000.
Athan said he supported many of the improvements included in the North City Project, which was opposed by many business owners. The plan originally included a three-lane design (which was amended to retain four lanes) as well as other improvements to 15th Avenue NE, including under grounding of utilities, parking on both sides with curb bulbs, new signals and controllers and a 6-foot sidewalk with a 4-foot amenity zone, for an estimated cost of $5.59 million.
“It seems like we got our way and will keep four lanes,” Athan said.
During roadway construction, Athan said business has decreased about 30-40 percent, as it is difficult for many customers to access the cafe. He said it took one couple 45 minutes to walk to the cafe from 145th Street. Athan typically sees about 350 patrons per day, but during construction the number has dropped to about 210. Athan hopes a new apartment complex across the street will also attract more business once it is finished.
“We had a meeting with the construction crew,” Athan said. “Everybody’s business is down quite a bit right now.”
Bob Barone and his mother-in-law Marjorie Cook frequent Leena’s Cafe two to three times a week. They briefly stopped dining at what they call “one of their favorite locations,” while the store was closed for interior improvements.
“We tried to avoid the area because of congestion,” Barone said, “but we’re glad to finally find cars in the lot.”
The cafe, which specializes in homestyle cooking and is open seven days, employs about 22 people. Waitress Linda Lyson, who has worked at Leena’s Cafe for 10 years, said customers have been commenting on how nice the cafe looks after the renovation, although it was always well-kept before.
She said many regulars have been calling to ask how construction is progressing and if they can easily access the area. The cafe has many regulars, she said, who will continue to frequent the store once construction is completed.
“They have called to ask ‘how is the road?” Lyson said. “They say they miss us and are glad it is open.”
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
