Stateside, Mamnoon, the Roastery Plans for Blue Willow hoped to fill one of the recent holes in Capitol Hill food and drink

Blue Willow is set to open soon at 300 E Pike, taking over the former Stateside space in Capitol Hill. Restaurant owner Benjamin Chew, who has transformed Tyger Tyger into a local favorite, has experience in the area, having previously managed Lionhead. Stateside's closure, along with the shuttering of the Foreign National bar, signifies the end of a decade-long presence of French Vietnamese flavors in the neighborhood. The local dining landscape has faced further challenges, including the recent closure of Mamnoon after 13 years and the surprising permanent closure of Starbucks' Capitol Hill roastery, which cost over $20 million to establish. The Blue Willow project is seen as a potential remedy to the business fabric torn by these closures.

Plans for its opening are underway, with further updates expected from CHS. The ongoing changes reflect a broader challenge for Capitol Hill's food and drink scene, which has seen significant turnover. Support from the community is crucial for maintaining local news coverage and updates.