My Ballard » tom douglas

Citizens trying to save fireworks show

Geeky Swedes — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 02:36:01 +0000

Update: Microsoft and Starbucks have donated $125,000 each.

Earlier: As the realization started sinking in that Seattle’s only 4th of July fireworks show has been canceled, some local celebrities and businesses are donating money to save the annual tradition. On the Dave Ross show this morning, restaurateur Tom Douglas started the campaign to save the fireworks show by announcing he will donate $5,000. Dave Ross followed suit by donating some of his own money. The list of donations keeps growing, with the ultimate goal of raising $500,000 by Monday, April 5th.

To make a pledge of a minimum of $1,000, corporate or individual, go to MyNorthwest.com/fireworks or e-mail savethe4th@mynorthwest.com. If the funds needed to save the 2010 fireworks show can be raised in the allotted time, then the pledges will be collected upon and sent to One Reel.

One Reel marketing and communications director Mikhael Williams talked with our sister site My Wallingford this morning about Ross’s plan. “We would be so excited and thrilled if we could pull this off this year, but has to happen very quickly,” Williams says, “From our perspective, the window was closed on a title sponsorship because of the traditional expectations and benefits that they receive. If there are people in the community who want to rally around the event, who don’t have the traditional expectations of sponsorship, we would happily put this on.”

(Full disclosure: Next Door Media, which powers MyBallard.com, has donated to save the fireworks show.)

Tom Douglas not opening restaurant in Ballard

Geeky Swedes — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:37:24 +0000

As we first wrote about back in September, Tom Douglas was looking at Ballard for a new restaurant. “I was looking forward to being in Ballard, but that space just didn’t jell, unfortunately,” Douglas tells the Seattle Times.

Instead of the old Via Verde space on Market Street, Douglas will open his newest restaurant next door to his current restaurant, Etta’s. Nancy Leson with the Seattle Times has the scoop here. (Thanks Mike for the link!)

Tom Douglas eyeing Ballard

Geeky Swedes — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:58:35 +0000

We received an email from Caryn, the owner of Cookies, who says renowned Seattle chef Tom Douglas is looking at opening a restaurant in Ballard.

She says Douglas is looking at the old Via Verde location on Market St. “They are in talks for the space but have not yet come up with a style for the place yet,” says the shop owner. “I have suggested that they do a diner style and their thoughts are possibly for a family style restaurant that you could order an entree, vegetable, etc., just like sitting down at your own dinner table.” We confirmed with Tom Douglas’ marketing department that he is indeed looking at Ballard. We’re told that nothing is signed and things could still fall through. Tom Douglas currently owns Lola, Palace Kitchen, Dahlia Lounge, Dahlia Bakery, Etta’s and his newest spot, Serious Pie. Via Verde was evicted in July after being open a year.