Classic Eats Attracts Visitors to Burien from Throughout the Region

If you are visiting the town of Burien, near Seattle, Washington for the first time, you should consider popping into Classic Eats for a cool treat and an exclusive culinary experience for your taste buds. As you tuck into some ‘classic’  American delights in a relaxed atmosphere, let us remind you that it has all been made possible by the owner and chef of the restaurant, Tony Hayes.

To Hayes, bringing together a medley of ingredients and creating something flavorful gives him great excitement. “Quality is a big factor for me,” he says. “I want every dish to come out looking special.” Having the potential to present his guests with a unique culinary adventure gives him a level of satisfaction incomparable to any other pursuit.

Classic Eats was bought in 2016. Hayes envisioned it as a  family restaurant and space for community members to hang out. Regular jazz concerts, wine, painting nights, and trivia games are a part of their events calendar. With an outdoor patio for sunny days and a private dining room for parties, Classic Eats is getting busier than before. Hayes said, “We have slowly built brand loyalty. We aim to restrict people from having to go to Southcenter, drawing them in with a classic menu, great service and experience, and above all, consistency. Everyone here is hospitable. We have a really good lunch crowd. Some people have never heard of Olde Burien, and they are coming for the first time.  Once here, they love it.”

The Classic Eatery With A Small-town Vibe

His wishes for the future? And for the City of Burien? To make Burien and Classic Eats “a big dot on the map.” He believes the city has everything necessary to do so. “Burien is central to almost everything. You can reach Downtown Seattle without having to touch the highway,” he says. “We could become a destination for everyone to come and visit. We like our mom-and-pop stores here, and that helps to attract people. It’s one of the reasons that people visit - our small-town vibe.”

During the pandemic, Hayes did not have to let go of any of his staff. “I would like to give back to this community; my focus is on Olde Burien; businesses here promote each other, and it is always exciting to see the camaraderie between people.”

A “Destination Location”

The City of Burien is close to Seattle, a 20-minute drive,  and attracts visitors from around Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, and the East Side. Through word of mouth and social media, Classic Eats is now a watering hole for intrigued visitors. “We have catering services and small event spaces for people who come from outside the city as well,” he says.

Apart from places close to Seattle, Classic Eats now attracts visitors from Tacoma, Everett, Olympia, and the East Side. Through word of mouth and social media, Classic Eats is now a watering hole for intrigued visitors. “We have catering services and small event spaces for people who come from outside the city as well,” he says. To him, Burien’s “affectionate vibe” pulls visitors to its fold like a magnet. “Burien is a homey town, and everyone knows everyone. It’s a good place to grow a business.”

Build Your Business in Burien: You Belong Here

The City of Burien is an excellent place to build a business, as Tony Hayes has found. We invite you to bring your retail or restaurant business to Burien, where you will receive hands-on support and assistance from our Economic Development team.  For more information, contact Economic Development Manager Chris Craig or visit our retail target industries page.