Bridge reopening brings cautious optimism to local businesses

Two months after the reopening of the Edgewater Bridge restored the direct connection between Mukilteo and Everett, local businesses say customers are beginning to return – but they’re still far from recovering from the 18-month closure.

Restaurant owners report seeing familiar faces from Everett again and modest increases in sales, but they say the gains have not erased the financial damage caused by the lengthy detour that turned what was once a five-minute drive into a trip of more than half an hour.

"It's increased noticeably, but still not up to pre-shutdown levels," said Chris Shirley, owner of John's Grill. "A handful of old guests have expressed happiness at being able to return."

Shirley estimates business has increased 10% to 15% since the bridge reopened in late April. He said he first noticed the uptick about two weeks after traffic resumed.

Shirley said, business has yet to return to where it was before the bridge closed – "most likely due to poor economic conditions like high gas prices, grocery costs, etc."

Sound Pizza owner Lance Mitchell also noticed a difference immediately after the bridge reopened.

"We're seeing more customers, especially from the other side of the bridge that had not been coming in," Mitchell said.

While he said it's too early to estimate how much business has increased, Mitchell believes the restaurant remains well below pre-closure levels after sales dropped about 40% during the bridge shutdown.

"We are 100% still recovering," he said. "We'll never make up all the lost revenue, but hopefully within a year we can start to be profitable."

Mitchell said the restaurant reduced staffing during the closure and shifted its focus toward catering, a strategy that has become a permanent part of the business.

For Soundview Deli owner Lia Tetreault, the improvement has been welcome after what she describes as a devastating 18 months.

Before construction began, the Korean immigrant said her deli typically served between 250 and 300 customers each day. During the closure, that number dropped dramatically.

"Sometimes 40, sometimes 60," Tetreault said. "Almost 90% down."

Today, she estimates about 100 customers visit daily.

"Everything is up. I'm happy," she said.

Still, that remains only about one-third of the deli's pre-closure business.

Community support made a difference

All three business owners said the closure demonstrated how important their customers are.

Shirley said many long-time patrons from Everett have returned and regularly tell him they're glad the bridge is open again.

"They are happy to have the bridge reopened and frustrated at how long it took," he said. "Many of our regular guests live right on the other side of the bridge. It went from a five-minute drive to a 35-minute drive during the shutdown."

Mitchell said many of Sound Pizza's regular customers from Everett have also returned.

"The majority of people felt that way," he said of customers who avoided Mukilteo because of the detour. "They're happy the bridge is open."

His message to Everett residents is simple: "Come visit. We have a beautiful view and great food and drinks."

For Tetreault, community support became a lifeline.

She said residents organized fundraisers, bought food to donate and offered encouragement throughout the closure. Tetreault said volunteers collected donated food that was distributed through local food banks.

"So many good people," she said. "Sometimes bad thing coming, but good thing ready, too. I met so many good people. So many people make me cry."

Recovery expected to take years

The bridge closure forced John's Grill to make adjustments.

"We lost a significant amount of money just to keep the doors open," Shirley said.

The restaurant reduced staffing and increased its marketing efforts through community events, online advertising, print and radio promotions – efforts that continue even after the bridge reopened.

The restaurant has not yet begun rehiring staff or expanding operations.

"Hoping for a busy summer," Shirley said.

He believes a full recovery, if it comes at all, will take years.

"The increase in business is marginal, but we are grateful to have the opportunity to adapt and survive," he said.

One evening, however, gave him hope.

"About three weeks after the bridge opened, our bar top was full of old regulars," Shirley said. "It was a wonderful evening."

Mitchell also expects recovery to be gradual.

"With good weather we should have a solid summer," he said. "Summer regardless is our busy time."

New concern emerges

Some local residents are also happy the bridge is open again. Chris and Jan Hopkins, who live just east of the bridge above Mukilteo Boulevard, said they have many friends on the west side whom they saw less often during the closure. Reconnecting has been a blessing.

But while businesses welcome the return of customers, some nearby residents say the bridge reopening has brought an unwelcome consequence: speeding traffic.

Tetreault worries many drivers accelerate as they leave Mukilteo's 25 mph zone and enter the 35 mph section on the Everett side.

"I wish the city could calm it down," she said, expressing concern for children who walk or bicycle near the deli. She said vehicles often appear to be traveling far faster than the posted speed limit.

Her concerns are echoed by Les and Mary Jane Nelson, who live on Mukilteo Boulevard just west of the bridge. During the closure, they said the quieter roadway became a place where neighbors gathered, children played and families comfortably crossed the street.

"Now they can't play," Mary Jane Nelson said. "The traffic is so fast and so loud."

She said neighbors no longer linger outside because conversations are drowned out by traffic.

"It's not even safe to cross the street," she said. "They come so fast."

Les Nelson has urged officials to lower the speed limit to 25 mph through the corridor and add a marked crosswalk near Japanese Gulch, saying both were included in the city's adopted master plan. He also suggested installing speed enforcement cameras.

"I think it's imperative that they deem it 25 and that they really monitor it," he said.

He said he's especially concerned about families trying to cross Mukilteo Boulevard to access trails and parks near Japanese Gulch.

Looking ahead

All three business owners hope the busy summer tourism season will continue bringing customers back.

Shirley said the reopening should have its greatest impact during the summer months but remains concerned some businesses may still struggle.

"I wouldn't be surprised to see businesses close or leave after the busy season," he said.

He also has a message for former customers across the bridge.

"That we love and miss them," Shirley said. "Without their business, this wonderful, charming waterfront could fade into a significantly less attractive destination."

Mitchell echoed that optimism.

Asked to describe the difference between business during the closure and today in one word, he answered: "Thankful."

Tetreault, meanwhile, is planning another neighborhood celebration similar to one held last year, bringing together residents, businesses and first responders.

More than anything, she wants customers to know she is grateful.

"I appreciate every moment," she said. "I'm happy and appreciate it more than anything."