Changes Ahead for EVO and The Social?

Exterior of The Social/EVO complex at 1715 East Olive Way.
Photo: Doug McLaughlin

We’re following up on tips from multiple sources that changes in partnership could be occurring at the recently opened restaurant/night club complex known as The Social/EVO. The complex, located at 1715 East Olive Way has had a rocky development process since the project was announced early in 2011 with numerous missed opening dates and changes in the project itself. Originally announced as a partnership by social maven Alex Garcia and The Pterodactyl Group, the Seattle based partners Laura Olson and Chris Pardo (known for Po’ Dog, Auto Battery and Grim’s) the project added a third major partner at the start of 2012 with the investment of local restaurateur Todd Nordahl, whose previous venture, Rosebud closed in the fall of 2011. Nordahl assumed responsibility and control of the planned restaurant component of the complex, surprising many who had assumed that Pterodactyl Group would assume the lead role for the food service at The Social.

Under Nordahl’s management and control, the restaurant was designed as its own entity within the complex and named EVO Tapas Kitchen and Cabaret and opened to great fanfare in early May of this year. But, in the three months since that opening, EVO has had major changes in the management team at the restaurant and received mixed reviews that largely focused on the quality of the food. Rumors of lower than anticipated attendance have also circulated. And, it should be noted than the majority of new businesses, especially restaurants, frequently face a turbulent shake-down period after opening, with numerous changes in staffing, menu and overall concept of the project.

But, this weekend we’ve received numerous tips that ownership changes with EVO are allegedly underway and with the possibility that EVO could face numerous changes to its branding  as well.

Seattle Gay Scene has sent requests for comment to Alex Garcia, Laura Olson and Todd Nordahl asking for clarification on the situation. Mr. Nordahl responded this afternoon with the following:

“Unfortunately I can’t comment at the moment but in the next day or two more information will be available. Thanks!”

– Todd Nordahl

More as it develops.