After a 65-year run, the Northlake Tavern & Pizza House, at 660 Northeast Northlake Way near the UW Campus, will close on January 31, 2023, according to a press release Tuesday.
The business has a long history with just a few owners. Herb and Evelyn Friedman opened the Northlake Tavern in 1953 and relocated it near the UW campus in 1954, according to the release. They began offering pizza there six years later. By 1974 it was touting its pies as “Best Darn Pizza Anywhere” and had grafted “Pizza House” onto its name. Friedman was in business for 34 years until Cheryl Berkovich-Winzenread and her husband bought the restaurant and building in the 1980s, the release notes.
Since 1981, Abdoullah has worked at the restaurant; first as a chef in the kitchen and for the past six years as owner and general manager. After 42 years at the business and welcoming the thousands of guests who have passed through the door, he will retire, the chef recently announced.
Dear loyal customers and friends,
Just a quick note to let you know that after turning 70 in October, I shall retire at the end of January 2023. I was trained by the original owner, Herb Friedman, God bless his soul, who started the Northlake in 1954. I need to focus on my current health issues at this time, but I am happy that the Big Mario’s family will continue in the Northlake tradition bringing quality pizza and hospitality to our community on Northlake.
I want to say thank you so much for all your help throughout the years. My heart and soul will always be the Northlake Tavern.
Abdoullah, Chef and Business Owner, Northlake Tavern
The owners of Big Mario’s will step into the space to open what will be the growing chain’s fourth location.
Big Mario’s hope to retain Northlake’s eight employees, including one who has worked there for 26 years, according to the release. They will keep much of the memorabilia intact; like the collection of cartoons on the wall from David Horsey, Seattle’s Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist that showcase it a favorite destination for UW students, alumni, and their families over the many years.
On February, 1, 2023 Big Mario’s will start clean-up, equipment replacement, and furnishing updates with a current estimated reopening time frame of mid-to-late March, 2023.
“We feel lucky to have had the opportunity to get to know Abdoullah and his brother during this exchange and are actively working side-by-side at the Northlake,” Jason Lajeunesse, owner of Big Mario’s Pizza, said in prepared statement. “This is a unique opportunity for us to get to know the business, staff, and its regulars while at the same time being of service to him in this challenging time. We plan to keep the core tenants of the Northlake intact including its amazing décor, but will be adding Big Mario’s hospitality staples such as pull tabs, games, liquor, indoor and outdoor all-ages dining options, classic VHS movies, and finally, Big Mario’s pizza.”
