DoorDash Driver Allegedly Fired Gun After Customer Complained About Temperature of Food

Welcome back to Eater News, a semi-regular round-up of mini news bites. Have info to share? Email intel to seattle@eater.com.

DoorDash Driver Allegedly Fired Gun After Customer Complaint

A heated argument over a restaurant delivery on Capitol Hill reportedly turned violent. On Friday, July 2, 911 dispatch fielded calls about gunfire in the vicinity of 22nd Avenue and East Madison Street around 10:15 a.m. That’s where witnesses say a male DoorDash driver discharged a firearm into the air and threatened a female customer with it after she complained about the temperature of her food, per Capitol Hill Seattle, who first reported the news. The alleged perpetrator then fled the scene.

The Seattle Police Department says the investigation is still ongoing, but no arrests have been made. DoorDash spokesperson Briana Megid tells Eater Seattle, “The safety of our community is paramount, and this report is deeply disturbing. There is no place on our platform for violence of any kind. We are actively investigating this issue in order to take appropriate action, and are in touch with law enforcement to support their investigation in any way we can.”

This isn’t the first time a violent incident was tied to a DoorDash driver on Capitol Hill. Almost a year ago to the day, a truck sped through an intersection near the I-5 express overpass on Boren Avenue, nearly hitting several people who were gathered in the street during social justice protests. The driver of the truck was later identified by online sleuths as a DoorDash delivery worker, who not only sped off and ran through a red light on the corner of Pike Street, but then allegedly told the customer he was delivering food to about the incident and posted messages on Facebook about what happened.

New Seattle Music Festival Announced, with Beer Garden

No Bumbershoot this year? No problem. A new Seattle music festival called Day In Day Out — from the Capitol Hill Block Party organizers — will launch over Labor Day weekend (September 4-5) at the Fisher Green Pavilion in Seattle Center. Performers include Chvrches, Kaytranada, Strfkr, Big Wild, and Aminé, and there will be an indoor-outdoor beer garden at the pavilion itself. Food trucks will be on hand as well, although the exact lineup of those haven’t been announced. Among the food and beverage partners announced so far have been larger brands, such as Campari, alongside a handful of more local operations, including Schilling Cider and Pursuit Distilling. Those companies will have a presence in the beer garden and VIP sections. Passes go on sale July 7 at 10 a.m.

Beloved Greasy Spoon Beth’s Cafe Reopens for Business July 8

After nine months staying dormant, iconic Aurora Avenue diner Beth’s Cafe is reopening July 8 — although with limited hours, the restaurant announced on Facebook. Though it’s usually a 24-hour joint, Beth’s will serve from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends, “until we feel comfortable that we have the staffing and volume of customers that can justify extending our hours.” For decades, Beth’s built a reputation as a great all-day, all-night spot slinging burgers, pancakes, and sandwiches, as well as a massive 12-egg omelette that has garnered attention from TV shows like the Travel Channel’s Man vs. Food. It’s future has been a little uncertain in recent years, though. In April 2020, owner Chris Dalton died after a long battle with cancer, months after he put the place around the Green Lake place up for sale with its 10-year lease. That listing is no longer active; Eater Seattle reached out to Beth’s Cafe to check on ownership status and will update this item as more info comes in.