After 22 years, the venerable Grill on Broadway at 314 Broadway E. is permanently shutting its doors this Sunday night. In spite of a recent increase in sales, unexpected “mechanical, structural and operational issues” adding up to hundreds of thousands of dollars are behind the closure. “We don’t have endless financial resources to keep us afloat like a chain restaurant or large corporation could. We spent our life savings to bring the restaurant back from what it had become and it’s heartbreaking that we cannot continue,” current owner Matthew Walsh says. “There isn’t a minute that goes by that I don’t recognize the profound impact that The Grill has had on the Capitol Hill neighborhood and Seattle’s LGBTQ community for the last two decades. I wanted The Grill to not just be a restaurant, and not just a bar but also an active member of the community. We’ve been honored to serve an extraordinary and diverse community.”

In more upbeat news, Pie Bar is opening next Wednesday, May 1, in the former Saley Crepes space at 1361 E. Olive Way. In addition to from-scratch savory and sweet pies, the menu includes entrees and cocktails. Parents, don’t get too excited: the space is 21+, but there is a walk-up window if you want to grab a slice to go with the kids.