THE CONVENIENCE OF LIVING AND WORKING IN DOWNTOWN BELLEVUE

For Dan Thiessen, chef and co-owner of 0/8 Seafood Grill and Twisted Cork Wine Bar, living in Downtown Bellevue has been part of the recipe for success. It has meant almost as much as packed tables and rave reviews. “As business owners in the downtown area, we wanted to be close to the community that we serve,” Thiessen remarked. “It’s great to walk around shopping and run into people who dine in our restaurant. I wouldn’t return to live anywhere else after being spoiled here.”

Walking a few blocks to the restaurant from his home at Twelve Central Square has its advantages. “Sitting in traffic drives me crazy. I like to be close to the action. We have everything we could want right here at our back door.”

Thiessen doesn’t spend much time at home. “Work is a lifestyle. You can’t separate it from home,” Thiessen said. “Being in the hospitality business and being involved in the community means you’re on stage all the time. I am constantly running into people who dine at the restaurant or listen to my radio show.” Thiessen hosts a weekly Saturday morning show on KVI 570 AM.

When Thiessen is at home, you can find him grilling on his big green egg barbecue. He tries to make this a ritual at least once a week.

Thiessen also frequents the Bellevue Farmers Market. “Number one, I want to support the local producers, and number two is the quality of the products.” For Thiessen there is also a personal connection. He was born and raised on a cattle ranch in Eastern Washington.
For most everything else, Thiessen heads to The Bellevue Collection. “All those choices and not having to get wet in the rain between buildings!” His favorite place to people watch is from the sky bridge over Bellevue Way. As for his coffee shop of choice, it’s the Starbucks at The Lodge.

When asked “what’s next?” Thiessen remarked, “This will not be the only thing I will do in Downtown Bellevue…there is more on the horizon! Bellevue has been very supportive of locally-owned, chef-driven concepts. There is a lot of opportunity in Bellevue, and we want to capitalize on that.”

Thiessen’s vision is to create a restaurant group that represents food and dining experiences throughout Bellevue. “I am excited to bring multiple dining concepts to Bellevue. There is a need for it.”

Looking ahead to the next five years in Downtown Bellevue, Thiessen says, “It’s only going to get better.”

Finally, why 0/8? He had his wife, __name__ , in mind when naming his first restaurant. Thiessen married his wife on 08/08/04.