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We told you this three months ago Luna Park Cafe owner John Bennett After 35 years, he decided to find a new owner for his restaurant. Now the search is over. We discovered this during a routine review of liquor license applications – a way to learn about new operations or new owners for existing operations – and reached out to Bennett, who confirmed the sale:

I have sold Luna Park Café after over 35 years of ownership. I began expanding the restaurant in 1988 in Pat and Ron’s former tavern. I opened the day after St. Patrick’s Day in 1989. I carefully vetted all the people who made offers. I feel like I’ve chosen the right person for the next 35 years. I physically worked in the restaurant for four months before selling it. It was great speaking to all the long-time customers and working with a great staff. The sale was bittersweet, but I have to retire.

The new owner is Heong Soon Parkalready an accomplished restaurateur – his restaurants include Bacco Cafe at Pike Place Market, Chan Seattle at the Paramount Hotel and Cheese Room Seattle on Capitol Hill (which took the long time Ristorante Machiavelli Space). We emailed the new owner to ask if there were any changes coming to Luna Park Café. He replied: “Luna Park will remain the same, I will work to improve the food and service, but just to make it better, I promised John that I would keep it for another 30 years to preserve its legacy, and I want to keep my promise.” For now, opening hours remain daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., but Park adds, “We plan to open in the evenings next year. I still have a lot of things to digest before I move on.” But he emphasizes that he’s in it for the long haul: “I’m improving Luna Park so it gets better and can last another 30 years.” Who knows who after 30 will take over years; hopefully my children. But give me some time, I promise to improve it in every way and become the #1 place to go in West Seattle!!” (Have you never been to Luna Park Café? 2918 SW Avalon Way.)