Yonder Cider's walk-up retail window in Seattle to close after neighbor complaints

A walk-up cider window in Seattle's Greenwood neighborhood is shutting down after the city received complaints from a neighbor that the operation was too close to a church and school.

Yonder Cider announced that it will cease operations at its "garage bar" retail site — which sells to-go cans and growler fills — on Feb. 15.

Owned by Caitlin Braam, who was formerly the president of Seattle Cider Company and Two Beers Brewing Co., the business opened in July 2020.

In an Instagram post announcing the closure, the owners contended that the walk-up model was best for their business amid the pandemic that has caused over 90 bars and restaurants in the city to close permanently.

"While we’ve been working hard to launch a brand, survive a pandemic, build a community and have some fun, one person has made it their mission to close Yonder Bar down," wrote the owners. "We know Yonder Bar is different, but so are the times we live in. We’ve tried working and pleading with the City to no avail, so are forced to shift gears."

City data from the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) shows that the business had received complaints that it was "operating illegally in a residential zone" and was within 500 feet of a school and church — St. John the Evangelist Parish and Catholic School.

The owners emphasized that while their business is properly licensed with the city, the status of the road as a "Stay Healthy Street" and complaints made to the city have complicated matters and forced the closure.

Since the announcement of the closure, some neighbors have written into SDCI to complain about the closure itself, and the owners have garnered 1,700 signatures in a letter of support to keep their business open.

"Prior complaints suggest that sidewalks are blocked by patrons, but they are no more blocked than by neighbors who stop and chat after a chance encounter on a city corner," wrote one resident in response to the complaints. "Since opening, this place has become a place to build connections and community with our neighbors."

But don't worry, craft cider lovers. The owners said that while their walk-up retail operations might be closing for now, they will continue to produce cider at their Wenatchee production facility and plan on an in-person return in the future.

"When we started Yonder Bar, we had no idea what it would become. No matter its future, we are honored to have been a bright light for so many people during such a difficult time," wrote the owners.