After months of speculation, George Solomon says it's official: he has sold the Mellen Street restaurant that he has owned and operated since 1971.
"It's been in the works for a long time," Solomon, 79, said. "It's time to move on."
King Solomon's has been sold to Nicholson Investment Properties, Inc. of Kirkland.
"It's a large piece of land that's going to lend itself to retail use," said Tony Miltenberger, a partner in the property company.
Banks, fast food restaurants and other retail stores have expressed interest in the 3.5-acre parcel, he said.
"We're still trying to figure it out, and we're trying to accommodate everybody," Miltenberger said. "If there's someone in town that's interested, we want to help them first."
Nicholson Investment Properties, Inc. owns mostly retail-based properties throughout Washington, Oregon and California, according to Miltenberger.
While the new owner is considering keeping the existing building, it's not a likely scenario, he said.
"If people keep calling, we'll probably tear it down to fit a couple of buildings on it," he said.
Miltenberger said he was also mindful of the potential for changes if the Mellen Street interchange is altered and moved south when Interstate 5 is widened. But even with possible infrastructure changes, Miltenberger said the land was attractive because of its "great access and great visibility."
Miltenberger, a Chehalis native, said he approached Solomon last summer.
"I'd drive by and ask myself, 'I wonder when George is going to retire?'" he said. "So, I went in and asked him if he was selling."
The decision to sell the restaurant wasn't an easy one, according to Solomon.
"I guess it's what people call, 'bittersweet,'" he said.
The restaurant's last day will be on Dec. 24, Solomon said.
In his restaurant's office, Solomon still has a photographs, slightly tinted with age, of King Solomon's construction in 1971.
"This was the place to go," Solomon said of the restaurant's early days, which hosted live music six nights a week.
For the first five years, the restaurant served "Chinese-American" cuisine, and remained opened for 24 hours a day for the first 20 years, Solomon said.
"I had as many as 10 waitresses working at midnight, and they were swamped," he said of the post-bar rush. "Our timing was good."
The restaurant eventually dropped Chinese food from its menu and focused on "mainstream" American fare, with hamburgers, chicken strips, steaks, and even an occasional lobster dinner, fitting the needs of his customers, Solomon said.
Solomon said he had originally intended on renovating the restaurant to stay competitive, but with the death of his partner and brother, Mike, in 2004, plans changed.
Mike Solomon had also started the King Solomon's Reef in downtown Olympia, George Solomon said.
"Our dream was for our kids to run it, but they weren't interested," Solomon said, "and with Mike passing away, everything came to a head."
George Solomon added that he respected his children's decision not to follow his footsteps. Stricter regulations, including the soon-to-be smoking ban, have made running a restaurant more challenging, he said.
The business, however, has been a family business, with all four of his children, Kimberly, Krista, Susan and Gregg having worked at the restaurant at one time or another, George Solomon said.
His older brother, Chuck, 83, was once a manager and still visits daily, occasionally helping the kitchen staff.
As he nears retirement, George Solomon said he may do some traveling, but that he was looking forward to spending time with his wife, Peggy, and children.
"I have very, very mixed emotions. I don't think I've missed three days since we opened the place," George Solomon said. "But I believe in my heart that (selling) is the right thing to do."
Robin McGinnis covers business issues for The Chronicle. She may be reached at 807-8231, or by e-mail at rmcginnis@chronline.com.
