Federal Way’s Red Robin to close July 12

Closure is due to the incoming Sound Transit Link light rail extension set to open 2024.

Say goodbye to bottomless steak fries and freckled lemonade in Federal Way.

The final day of business for Federal Way’s Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews is Sunday, July 12.

The Red Robin Federal Way location, 2233 S. 320th St.,opened in 1987. The restaurant is closing due to the expansion of the Sound Transit light rail, according to a spokeswoman for Red Robin.

Neighboring restaurant Azteca has plans to close in “a few weeks,” but there is not a specific date set for its closure yet. Manager Jaime Monje said Azteca will not be closing this weekend, July 11-12.

Red Robin and Azteca should be vacated by the end of the month, said Scott Thompson, public information officer for Sound Transit. He said there is not a timeline for the demolition of their buildings at this time.

Sound Transit’s Link light rail 7.8-mile extension will have three stations from Kent into Federal Way, with the final station located at the Federal Way Transit Center, which is set to open in 2024, according to Sound Transit.

A Red Robin spokesperson said they are looking at alternative locations nearby, but plans for another restaurant within the city of Federal Way have not been announced.

Sound Transit does offer financial assistance to relocating businesses. Businesses may be eligible for reimbursement moving expenses, re-establishment expenses, temporary storage and more, according to the Sound Transit Property Acquisition and Non-Residential Location handbook.

“In the meantime, Federal Way team members have been offered positions at other Red Robin locations in the market,” the spokeswoman said. The company declined to provide the number of people employed at the Federal Way location who would be affected by the closure.

Nearby Red Robin locations are in Auburn close to the Outlet Collection, 1002 Outlet Collection Way SW, and in Des Moines, 22705 Marine View Drive S.

For more information and location updates, visit redrobin.com/locations.