Capitol Hills Mamnoon will close after 13 years on Melrose

Mamnoon, a celebrated restaurant in Capitol Hill, will close on September 14 after 13 years of service, according to owners Wassef and Racha Haroun. The restaurant aimed to connect Seattleites with the cultures of Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine while also expanding into a family of food and drink businesses. Mamnoon debuted in November 2012, transforming a 1928 automotive garage into a modern dining space designed by Graham Baba Architects. In its 13 years, the restaurant became part of a wave of Levantine establishments that challenged perceptions around Middle Eastern cuisine. Recent years saw the closure of its Kirkland location and a focus on its fine foods mezze product line.

Despite the flagship location's closure, the owners confirmed the continuation of the Mamnoon Street concept and its rooftop mbar at a new site, reflecting resilience in the face of challenges. This closure is part of a larger trend affecting small businesses in Capitol Hill, where local mailbox and business centers have also shut down recently. The impact of these changes resonates within the community, highlighting the struggles faced by small business owners.