Donna’s planning Capitol Hill sibling on its E Olive Way block

Ben Smith at Donna’s (Image: @donnas.seattle)

While it might feel like a lot of spaces in Capitol Hill food and drink are sitting empty right now, the appetite for more room for more bars and restaurants is apparently as strong as ever.

There is a project underway on E Olive Way to squeeze in yet another new Capitol Hill restaurant. The food and drink entrepreneur behind it all will ensure that the new project is a unique and one of a kind addition.

According to permits, planning has begun for a new bar and restaurant sibling to Donna’s to take shape on its same block of E Olive Way, adding to a strip of Capitol Hill hangouts including the 2023-born cocktail joint, plus Pie Bar and Bonito Cafe.

Food and drink business partners Austin Polley and Benjamin Smith opened Donna’s on the block three years ago with Italian-flavored lounge vibes, “spirits, Amaro, and spritzy cocktails,” and “bar pasta” — plus some loving inspiration from the dearly departed Vito’s.

Smith hasn’t announced what he has planned for the new 1,600-square-foot project in a vacant space next to Pie Bar but permitting is underway including a change of use to allow the space to be used as a restaurant.

The new project follows Smith and Polley’s exit two years ago from The Rose Temple on upper E Olive Way. The Wash now calls that space home after the 2024 sale.

As Polley stepped back to prioritize family life and pursue going back to school to become a history teacher, Smith said he was continuing his career in the local food, drink, and nightlife industry.

Now he is doubling down on the 1300 block of E Olive Way.

Meanwhile, empty food and drink spaces on Capitol Hill mostly aren’t lasting very long and the slow rumble of a new wave of redevelopment will also bring opportunities for new ventures.

The project also joins plans for Bar Laa to join the E Olive Way nightlife community in the former Laurel space.

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