'We look forward to every minute we have left': Seattle's The Dane to close in April

Almost one year after the COVID-19 pandemic brought crippling restrictions to Seattle restaurants, a Scandinavian beer and coffee bar in the Crown Hill neighborhood announced it will shutter its doors for good.

The Dane announced it is permanently closing on April 4 after four years in operation. Since the start of Phase 2 under the state's reopening plan, the bar was operating for take out and outdoor dining only.

"We have enjoyed every minute of being part of this neighborhood! We look forward to every minute we have left," wrote the owners in an Instagram post. "As the world recovers from this virus, support all the small businesses that you can. We all need every hello, like, sale, thank you, recommendation, and as much positivity you can share."

The bar opened in 2017 with the concept of bringing hygge — a Danish and Norwegian term meant to embody a sense of comfort and coziness in an environment — to Seattle's thriving beer and coffee scene. The light-and-airy space with options for outdoor seating made it a popular spot for meeting with friends or picking up a quick bite.

Their lineup of 35 taps often included some of the city's best breweries like Hellbent, Holy Mountain and Stoup while their robust coffee offerings featured Stumptown espresso for daily pick-me-ups.

Bakery, breakfast and bar food bites — with bread from Fremont's Sea Wolf Bakers and pastries and pretzels from Lake City's Kaffeeklatsch — complemented the drink offerings and gave the bar a local focus.

"From the beginning, we have put a lot of love, sweat and tears into our business baby," the owners wrote. "We are in service of our dream and, with the support of our regular customers and our dedicated staff, it has grown to something greater than we could have ever imagined."

The restaurant said the food truck Cycle Dogs, which will be opening its very own brick-and-mortar location in Ballard later this spring, will be park outside until April 4, serving up vegan sandwiches and hot dogs to pair with the beer and coffee.

While restrictions have been gradually lifting as the state reopens, many restaurants are still hurting. Additionally, restaurant workers are currently not prioritized for the COVID-19 vaccine, heightening frustration and safety concerns for these frontline workers.

In a news release, Gov. Jay Inslee stressed the vaccine roll out is prioritizing those "most at-risk first." However, a recent study from the University of California San Francisco found that line cooks are at the highest risk of dying from COVID-19.

Prominent Seattle chefs like Renee Erickson have called upon local and state leaders to expand vaccine eligibility to include restaurant workers.

Overall, over 93 bars and restaurants have closed within the city as a result of the pandemic.