Rumors have swirled around the Everett Mall like a well-struck golf ball, but Mayor Cassie Franklin had played her cards close to the vest. That is, until a recent meeting with city staff. A recording, obtained by The Daily Herald, revealed the mayor finally confirmed the whispers: Topgolf is indeed in talks to become a transformative anchor tenant at the mall.
“Yes, we are in negotiations — they are in negotiations — with Topgolf, which would be a fantastic new entertainment partner located right next to the cinemas,” the mayor was quoted in The Daily Herald report covering the April 15th meeting. While the ultimate decision rests with the mall owners and Topgolf, Franklin’s optimism paints a promising picture. The potential arrival of the tech-infused driving range and restaurant would be a boon for the mall’s ongoing “The Hub @ Everett” redevelopment, creating a vibrant entertainment hub.
This news follows weeks of speculation, ignited by the mayor’s own State of the City address on March 21st, where she teased a “top” entertainment anchor. Online outlets like MyEverettNews quickly connected the dots, pointing squarely at Topgolf. Yet, official sources remained mum, with both the mall and Topgolf representatives offering only vague non-denials, the report stated.
The cat, it seems, is out of the bag. However, the mayor’s announcement of a “chicken and pickleball” tenant for the nearby Riverfront development adds another layer of intrigue. While seemingly referring to the popular Chicken N Pickle chain, a spokesperson for the developer insists no lease has been signed.
The arrival of Topgolf would mark a major win for Everett, aligning with the mall’s transformation into a more pedestrian-friendly destination. The chain’s blend of high-tech golf, socializing, and dining seems a perfect match for the revitalization efforts. Should the Riverfront development also land a pickleball tenant, Everett’s entertainment landscape would undergo a seismic shift.
Pickleball’s explosive popularity makes such a venue highly desirable. The mayor’s comments reflect her understanding of this trend, even poking gentle fun at the sport’s avid fanbase. The potential arrival of Chicken N Pickle, a popular chain offering pickleball courts alongside food and drinks, would further solidify Everett’s position as a regional recreation hub.
Everett’s waterfront is already helping the city evolve into a local destination, and the Port of Everett’s Restaurant Row is helping lead the way in those efforts. The expansion of this culinary hotspot is gaining momentum, with a call for developers slated for May 7th. The project envisions two new buildings and a parking lot nestled within Fisherman’s Harbor, part of the grander Waterfront Place redevelopment. Architects have designed captivating structures that blend seamlessly with the marina, featuring modern amenities and resilient construction. The success of the first Restaurant Row building, already fully leased, underscores Everett’s hunger for waterfront dining. Diners will soon savor fresh seafood at The Net Sheds and sip craft brews at Lazy Boy Brewing, while other exciting tenants prepare to open in the larger building. The Port seeks to round out the experience with a Mexican restaurant, ensuring a diverse culinary scene.
Restaurant Row is just one piece of Everett’s revitalized waterfront. The stylish Hotel Indigo and modern Waterfront Place Apartments have already established Fisherman’s Harbor as a place to live and play. The nearby Millwright District is next in line for transformation, with the Port partnering with LPC West and design firm RIOS to bring a fresh wave of restaurants, shops, and residences.
