People take advantage in downtown Kent of the outdoor dining along First Avenue between Gowe and Titus streets on Saturday. The street is closed to vehicle traffic between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. each Saturday. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Downtown Partnership

People take advantage in downtown Kent of the outdoor dining along First Avenue between Gowe and Titus streets on Saturday. The street is closed to vehicle traffic between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. each Saturday. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Downtown Partnership

Street dining debuts on First Avenue in downtown Kent

Vehicle traffic banned each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Dining and shopping in downtown Kent has more outdoor options each Saturday with vehicle traffic banned along one block of First Avenue between Gowe and Titus streets.

Local merchants set up displays and restaurants use outdoor tables as part of the new 1st Ave Inside OUT Open Air Dining & Marketplace, a collaboration effort with the Kent Downtown Partnership, the city of Kent and downtown merchants to allow more social distancing during COVID-19. The street is set up from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each Saturday through September. The marketplace had its debut July 25.

Participating businesses include Pixel Parlour, Wild Wheat Bakery Cafe & Restaurant, Thai Chili Restaurant, Dogwood Cafe and Lounge, Rusty Raven Studio, Alleluia! Catholic Store, Running Stitch Fabrics and Afghan Kebab House.

Fikes Products donated hand sanitizer stations along First Avenue, Home Depot Rental the umbrellas, Davis Door Service the safety logistics and Balloon Love Shop the displays, according to Kent Downtown Partnership.

Parking is available at the corner of West Titus Street and First Avenue South. Parking is free and without time limits on these Saturdays only.




Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website http://kowloonland.com.hk/?big=submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Business

t
Bezos’ Kent-based Blue Origin enters presidential endorsement controversy

Company leaders met with Trump shortly after Bezos’ Washington Post decided against any endorsement

Best of Kent 2024 winners announced!
Best of Kent 2024 winners: See the list here

Check out the Kent Reporter’s special section.

Paul Raftis (right) of Paolo’s Italian learned how to cook from his mother, Darlene Risse Raftis (left). Courtesy photo.
Vittoria! Paolo’s Italian wins big

It’s been a good month for Paolo’s Italian Restaurant in Kent —… Continue reading

The Hardys also were able to visit Mount Stanserhorn in Switzerland while escorting a client’s European trip, summer 2024. Courtesy photo.
From Alaska to the Rhine, Jennifer Hardy has your travel needs in mind

When it comes to planning a cruise trip with the family, fewer… Continue reading

Darren, Ryan and Launice Malmassari and Becca Pimentel all work at Kent East Hill Nursery as a family. Courtesy photo
Kent East Hill Nursery continues to grow

When the Malmassari family took over the Kent East Hill Nursery in… Continue reading

t
Maggie’s on Meeker owner receives state Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Honor given to Raman Arora at statewide conference in Walla Walla for bringing Main Streets to life

t
Kent-based Blue Origin completes 27th mission to space

Company debuts second vehicle in efforts to meet growing customer demand to board flights

(Photo from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Public Health Image Library)
Health insurance premiums to rise for WA small businesses

This marks the highest increase for small employers in the last decade.

t
Top Pot Doughnuts opens new production facility in Kent

Company plans to open cafe at site in early 2025

Voting is underway for the Best of Kent 2024!
Best of Kent 2024: Vote for your local favorites

Vote today for your favorite Kent businesses, restaurants, people and more!

Dick’s Drive-In is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year with parties at its locations, including 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16 in Kent. COURTESY PHOTO, Dick’s Drive-In
Dick’s Drive-In plans special anniversary celebration in Kent

Restaurant started 70 years ago in Seattle; party in Kent from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16