‘I’m really excited about this new step’: Virginia Inn employee turned co-owner ecstatic about bar’s future
Nov 10, 2025, 5:02 AM
Four longtime employees took ownership of the more than a century-old historic Virginia Inn bar and restaurant near Pike Place Market.
Amber Quezada, server, bartender, and now co-owner of Virginia Inn, is ecstatic about the new direction.
“I wish you could feel my heart right now. So I’m super excited about it. I’m really, really excited about this new step in our career,” Quezada told KIRO Newsradio Friday.
Quezada said the previous owner, Craig, approached the four employees in April and asked if they wanted to take over.
“For me, it was an immediate yes, because I love this place, and I know my co-workers also love this place, and we wanted to keep doing what we’re doing, and keep this place running for at least another 122 years,” she shared.
Generations of memories fuel Virginia Inn
Quezada said it’s the history and memories within the community that have kept the lights on for more than 12 decades.
“I remember one of my very first tables when I started working here. He was a gentleman, probably in his 70s or late 80s, and he was telling me how he had his first beer here, and then his kids had their first beers, and then their kids had their first beers here, and they’re hoping to keep that going. I remember hearing that story, I was like, ‘Oh, wow. This place is very special to so many different people,'” she shared.
Quezada mentioned that even though the employees are now co-owners, they’re still bartending and serving, but are working together to take on the exciting endeavor.
“It’s definitely a new challenge for us, but something that we’re all willing to take on,” she said. “I know that the community is definitely excited about this for us as much as we are. For some, I know they’re even more excited because I have a lot of regulars that actually text me. And the second they saw the articles go up about us taking over, they were like, ‘Oh my gosh, we have to come and see you guys. Let’s celebrate.’ It’s been a great honor for us.”
Watch the full discussion in the video above.
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