Kent City Council approves Riverbend Bar and Grill lease agreement for restaurant revival

The City of Kent held a Committee of the Whole and Workshop meeting on March 18, 2025, focusing on several key agenda items, including amendments to King County planning policies, a new restaurant lease, and a significant contract for city space planning.

The meeting commenced with a discussion led by Daja regarding amendments to King County's 4 to 1 program, which aims to manage urban growth areas (UGAs) by preserving rural development. Daja noted that these amendments would not impact Kent, as the city has already annexed its potential areas and does not plan to expand its UGA boundaries. The council subsequently voted to adopt a resolution ratifying these amendments, which had been previously approved by the King County Council.

Following this, Parks Director Julie Paris Gondola presented two items, the first being the lease agreement for the Riverbend Bar and Grill. Gondola reported a projected profit of nearly $700,000 for the parks department in 2024, primarily from golf operations. The new restaurant lease, which will be operated by Corey Mason, includes a rent of approximately $94,500 annually, with provisions for utility payments and a CPI inflator for future rent adjustments. The council approved the lease agreement, which aims to open the restaurant by late April or early May, contingent on the necessary licenses.

The final major agenda item involved a contract with the Athenian Group for phase 2 of the city’s space planning project, valued at $2,406,480. This phase will focus on managing the transition of city operations to newly acquired facilities, ensuring efficient space utilization and operational continuity. The council approved this contract, which is expected to span 19 months and will support the city’s long-term growth and operational transformation.

In conclusion, the meeting addressed significant developments in urban planning, local business partnerships, and municipal operations, with all agenda items receiving council approval, setting the stage for future growth and community engagement in Kent.