U Village Burgermaster Gets Extension On Lease

The University Village Burgermaster will be able to stay in its location for at least another year, according to owner Phil Jensen.

"We'd like to stay here indefinitely because it's a good location and a good operation," Jensen said.

But, he said, "my guess is that probably won't happen."

Jensen said the restaurant has been able to extend its lease with Safeway, which two years ago bought the 50,000-square-foot lot at 3040 N.E. 45th St. where the restaurant stands. The grocery chain hopes eventually to expand its neighboring store to compete with the nearby Quality Food Centers store.

Safeway officials could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Burgermaster customers collected more than 2,000 signatures last year on petitions asking Safeway to keep the 47-year-old restaurant open.

Burgermaster's lease was up in December, but has been extended until Dec. 31, 2000. Jensen said he hopes to be able to stay even longer.

There are five other Burgermaster restaurants throughout the Seattle area, but, Jensen said, "I'd hate to lose this one - it's the original."

Tamra Fitzpatrick's phone message number is 206-464-8981. Her e-mail address is tfitzpatrick@seattletimes.com