Puget Sound Business Journal
Sports bar chain opens first Seattle location near Climate Pledge Arena
By Joey Thompson
March 12, 2025
A two-story sports bar across from Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena quietly opened Monday.
It’s the 15th location for Colorado-based Tom’s Watch Bar, which is filling a 24,000-square-foot space in the historic Bressi Garage site at 105 Lenny Wilkens Way.
“For professional sports teams, the entire experience around their venues is crucial year-round, which is why major leagues and teams are constantly looking for innovative ways to engage fans and develop vibrant neighborhoods around their facilities,” Tom’s Watch Bar co-CEO Brooks Schaden said in a news release Wednesday.
The new bar aims to be a “hub” where Seattle fans can gather before, during and after games, concerts and events.
Tom’s growing roster of locations includes one at the Ilani casino in Ridgefield, 20 miles north of Portland. In Seattle, a second Tom’s Watch Bar is planned for the former Quality Athletics and Burbs Burgers space at 121 S. King St. near Lumen Field. That location is slated to open later this year.
Related coverage
Founded in 2014, Tom’s bills itself as a modern sports bar that caters to both male and female fans, and plasters its walls with large, high-definition screens tuned to sporting events.
The chain is part of SIF Partners, which is chaired by Quiznos co-founder and former CEO Rick Schaden. In 2022, Tom’s Watch Bar announced a $30 million investment from Sagard Credit Partners, saying it will use the money to expand in high-traffic areas. That’s largely included spaces near sports stadiums.
In Lower Queen Anne, the Bressi Garage was built in 1923. Most recently, it housed the nonprofit Pottery Northwest, which moved to Pioneer Square in 2022. The property is owned by the city of Seattle.
The renovation of the 102-year-old building started two years ago, with the aim of turning it into a gathering hub on days of arena events. The project is owned by Seattle Kraken owner Seattle Arena Co. Previously, 365 Group LLC, a development company from the founders of the Evergreens restaurant chain, was set to operate the space.
“Tom’s Watch Bar will create an immersive, fun experience for the thousands of fans visiting our arena each year,” Josh Pell, president of premium experiences and global strategy for Oak View Group, which manages Climate Pledge Arena, said in the news release.
Food offerings range from traditional bar fare like nachos, burgers and wings to an ahi tuna tower, teriyaki salmon salad and hummus plates. The location will have an outdoor patio and room for private events.
