Eggslut faces criticism ahead of Seattle debut in Capitol Hill

The popular sandwich chain, Eggslut, has plans to open its Capitol Hill location in Seattle. However, it has already drawn backlash from some nearby business owners.

The newest Eggslut location will be at 1531 Melrose Avenue in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, replacing Homegrown Sandwiches.

Eggslut’s construction hurts sales for nearby businesses

Neighbors surrounding the new Eggslut location have voiced their dissatisfaction with the construction, while shop owners have noticed a decline in their sales.

“I looked at my sales, and the sales have dropped over 25%,” a Capitol Hill business owner said, according to KIRO 7.

Another Capitol Hill business owner told KIRO 7 it has been difficult to contact the restaurant.

“We are a bunch of local businesses, and this is a very communal space, and we don’t see the owners as being able to communicate with them. We don’t even have their contact information,” they said.

Eggslut is known for its assortment of egg-themed breakfast sandwiches, served on toasted brioche buns, accompanied by sides like truffle hash browns. The restaurant’s controversial name refers to a popular phrase, which started among foodies in the mid-2000s, that describes people who serve every dish topped with an egg.

Surrounding businesses, Cafe Suliman and Russell Flint’s Rain Shadow Meats, have also both stated their concerns about the Eggslut opening.

“Suliman says he’s seen a 50% dropoff in lunch sales, which have always been dependent on passersby walking in from the street,” Eater Seattle stated. “Flint says his total sales have dropped 25% from May to June.”

Eggslut commented on the effects its construction has had on local businesses surrounding the location.

“We’ve made every effort to minimize any disruption or visual impact on our neighbors,” a spokesperson for Eggslut wrote in an email, according to Eater Seattle. “Removing the window decals or barricade would expose passersby directly to the construction area, which is neither safe nor visually appealing.”

Eggslut has set up a large yellow barrier that advertises the Eggslut logo to close off its developing construction site, and owners within this market space cite this as a contributor to their sales decreasing.

“For a drop (in sales) that significant, something significant had to change, and that’s kind of the only thing,” Flint said, according to Eater Seattle.

Previous Eggslut branding complaints

Eggslut’s name has been subject to controversy in the past because of its edgy and unique branding.

“I know it sounds ridiculous, but I feel like I would need a shower after I go eat at Eggslut,” Ursula Reutin, co-host of “The Gee and Ursula Show” on KIRO Newsradio, said.

The Eggslut name, although catchy and innovative, has garnered more than a couple of comments on its appropriateness for public display.

“I feel horrible even saying it. I don’t get businesses that try to have these trendy names and a name that, in my opinion, denigrates women,” Ursula said.

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