Old Pal Closes in Sunnyside After Four Years; Final Service Set for New Year’s Eve

Old Pal, a neighborhood bistro in the Sunnyside district, will close its doors on New Year’s Eve after four years in operation. The restaurant, located at the corner of Southeast 34th Avenue and Morrison Street, announced the decision via social media on November 4. This marks the end of a brief but notable chapter for the establishment, which opened in 2022.

The closure follows the expiration of the venue’s lease. Owners Jeremy Larter and Emily Bixler operate two businesses: Old Pal and the catering company Field Day Feasts. Larter stated that the couple is ready to manage a single venture. He noted that the pandemic forced them to pivot from catering to a brick-and-mortar restaurant, but Field Day Feasts has since recovered as a strong operation. With the catering business back on solid footing, the end of the restaurant lease presented a natural exit point.

Larter attributed the decision to a mix of personal and professional factors. He cited the ongoing headwinds in the restaurant industry, including rising costs and operational challenges. “It’s no secret that restaurants are continuing to get a headwind… We’re ready to make our lives easier,” he said. The couple aims to simplify their professional lives by consolidating their efforts on the catering side.

Old Pal gained regional attention earlier this year when Timothy Wastell, a James Beard Award winner for Best Chef in the Northwest and Pacific region, left his position at Antica Terra in Amity, Oregon, to cook at the restaurant. Wastell and Larter were former colleagues. Larter has since returned to the line as chef. Before launching Old Pal and Field Day Feasts, Larter worked at Ken’s Artisan Pizza and DOC. Bixler is also a visual artist who produces sculpture and jewelry at Boet Studio.

The restaurant will operate through the holiday season with a focus on celebration. It will serve oysters for $2 every night until the end of the year. On December 13, the venue will host its final annual holiday market, featuring local artists, vendors, and a bar. Larter described the final two months as a time to engage with the community and staff.

Reflecting on the four-year period, Larter emphasized the need for adaptability in the hospitality sector. He said the couple pivoted multiple times based on customer feedback. “We’ve pivoted so many times and listened to our customers and neighbors, they will tell you what they want,” he said. The restaurant’s menu during its final months will continue to feature seasonal Pacific Northwest vegetables and seafood.

Old Pal’s closing date is December 31, 2026. The decision to close allows the owners to fully dedicate their time to Field Day Feasts. Larter said he is leaving the role with satisfaction, having built a restaurant that served the local community for four years.