Ponti Seafood Grill Ends 25-Year Run on July 2

Ponti Seafood Grill has announced it will end its 25-year run along the Ship Canal in North Queen Anne on July 2.

The restaurant has become something of a local icon over the past quarter century, serving only wild-caught seafood in view of the canal and the Fremont Bridge since 1990. Ponti's owners, Richard and Sharon Malia, say the reason behind the closure is simple: They're ready to retire.

"The past few years have been our most successful of the 25 years we’ve been in business," says Richard Malia in a release. "I’m 69 and ready to pursue other business interests and spend time in service to the community. I didn’t do this on my own, and I owe both the community a lot for the support we’ve received, as well as my loyal employees."

The building and land were bought by the Queen Anne Elks Club, which will take over after July 2. Oh, and if you're into wine, you may want to take advantage of Ponti's fire sale from now until the shutter. The restaurant will be selling its inventory for home use by the bottle or the case, at or below wholesale cost, including labels like DeLille and Leonetti.