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BUSH GARDEN
ABOUT
History
Bush Garden is a historic restaurant that originated in Seattle's Chinatown in 1953. Started by Kaichi Seko, the restaurant, initially located in the Bush Hotel on Jackson Street, quickly gained popularity and became a favorite spot for various social gatherings and events...
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Read more about Bush Garden's rich history through the link below.
Our Mission
At our core, we are driven by a mission to uphold the legacy of Bush Garden. Our aim is to provide a secure and inclusive haven, where individuals can come together in a spirit of unity and forge meaningful connections. We strive to create an environment that nurtures the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ community, offering a variety of food, lively karaoke, and an unforgettable experience that fosters unity and leaves a lasting impact on all who engage with our establishment.
Our Vision
Bush Garden is an inclusive and vibrant gathering place that fosters connections, celebrations, and a sense of community. It serves as a welcoming space for people of all ages, including families, elders, working individuals, and youth, to come together, share, inspire, and enjoy meals. Additionally, it offers a haven for relaxation and self-expression, functioning as the neighborhood's "living room." Moreover, Bush Garden aims to provide a unique experience for newcomers, city visitors, and international guests by showcasing the cultural richness, diversity, and resilience of Seattle's community. With a focus on preserving these invaluable qualities, Bush Garden is gearing up for a fresh start in a new location, embracing new possibilities and opportunities.
Karen Sakata Akada
Owner
As a child, Karen attended countless family celebrations at Bush Garden. As a high school student in the late sixties, Karen joined the ranks of the dedicated bus girls, catering to the constant flow of customers. Throughout her college years, she remained an integral part of the team, working in the kitchen. Seeking a deeper connection to her cultural heritage and language, Karen embarked on a seven-year adventure in Japan after graduating from college. Returning to Seattle, she found solace in the bar, making it a regular stop after her rigorous taiko practices. It was during this time that the introduction of Pioneer laser discs coincided with her return to Bush Garden, now as one of the pioneering karaoke hosts.
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In 1999, Karen tied the knot with Masaharu Sakata, solidifying her official role within the operations of Bush Garden. Over the years, she took on increasing responsibilities, overseeing various aspects of the business, including food service, karaoke hosting, bar management, administrative tasks, vendor relations, event coordination, kitchen supervision, and eventually, kitchen operations. However, in January 2016, the property housing Bush Garden, located on Maynard Ave S, was acquired by Jasmine Maynard LLC, leading to an imminent departure by October 31, 2016.
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While the decision to close Bush Garden restaurant had been made, the developer's lack of awareness regarding the unique requirements for developing within a National Historic District presented a last-minute opportunity to keep the bar open. During the following four years (2016-2020), Karen emerged as the sole owner of the business. Unfortunately, the prolonged suspension of Bush Garden's operations due to the pandemic necessitated the official closure of the Maynard Avenue site.
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When the chance to reopen Bush Garden at Uncle Bob's Place arose, the exceptional nature of the opportunity ignited Karen's passion and determination to revive the establishment with a fresh, modernized, and rejuvenated vision.
