Norm’s, Roxy’s, and Backdoor owners say economic challenges led to permanent closures

Meghan Walker Ballard

Three longtime favorites in Fremont—Norm’s Eatery & Alehouse, Roxy’s Diner, and Backdoor (460 and 462 N 36th St)—all shut their doors recently.

Christia Lowdermilk and Chad Regal took over the three businesses in May 2023, which Lowdermilk told The Seattle Times was her dream.

But after a year of ownership, Lowdermilk told the Times that “the profitability of the businesses” was not what they expected.

Norm’s Eatery was a dog-friendly bar—one of the first in Seattle. Roxy’s Diner was a classic Jewish deli, and Backdoor was a speakeasy-style lounge behind Roxy’s. All three were major Fremont landmarks—their loss is acute, and marks a change in Fremont’s business-scape.

No word yet on what will move into the spaces—we’ll update you if we learn anything new.

Photo: Google Image Capture, June 2021