The Opportunity of Community: Business Profiles – Palmer’s East

By Paige Norman

After growing up in the High Desert of California, Thomas Wilhite moved to Washington in 1995 to work at his cousin’s Acapulco Fresh restaurant on Redmond Way and 166^th Ave. NE (currently the Hilton Garden Inn). Working at all levels in the business, from washing dishes and counter service to managing operations, he became interested in becoming part of the Redmond community in a more permanent way.

When he met Tony and Sandy Chapman, then-owners of Palmer’s East, he wondered if this was the place he was meant to be. They became co-owners of a house in Wenatchee, during which time, Thomas casually asked if Tony was ready to retire. “I told him he should be enjoying retirement, not driving two and a half hours one way, every time there was a problem.” Thomas realized his dream in 2000, and purchased Palmer’s East. “My initial funding fell through, but I was able to pull together enough money from savings, register sales, and customer contributions to finalize the deal.” He laughs, “Of course, I still had to purchase the furniture and inventory. I had to break into my cash jar for that.”

Sitting in the middle of the block on Leary Way NE between Cleveland Street and Redmond Way, the familiar building with a black awning was originally part of Luke McRedmond’s plat, changing ownership at least four times from 1890 to 1915.

Although tax records show the building was completed in 1903, there is no record of a structure until 1920, when Adile Lampaert built his second butcher shop and meat market on the lot. In 1924, Henry “Butch” Thomas purchased the property, and opened Thomas Brothers Meat Market, purchasing the adjoining lot in 1930. He changed the name in 1938 to Redmond Market and maintained ownership until 1941.

Although the awning out front states Est. 1956, the building became the Lucky Boy Tavern sometime around 1950, before Angelo Paglia changed the name to Ange’s Red Derby Tavern in 1960.

Between 1969 and 1999, ownership and the name of the business changed several times: Sportsman East Tavern, Scott’s Grill, and the Outfield Grill.

In 1999, Tony and Sandy Chapman's lease ended on their business in Seattle, named Palmer’s – after owners Bob Palmer and Jim Davison. After purchasing the Outfield, they chose to name their new establishment Palmer’s East. The original wood sign from the Seattle business sits in a place of honor near the restaurant’s big screen.

Thomas loves Redmond and is involved in the community, sponsoring two Little League teams and hosting fundraising events. Many of his staff and customers have been regulars since before he owned the business. He says he would like to travel when he retires, but has no idea when that will be. “When I decide I’m done being a restaurant owner, I’d love to be able to offer someone the same opportunity I had to be a business owner and community member.”

Ask Thomas about the photos of early Redmond hanging on the walls, and he’ll readily give you a history lesson. “The history of the building got me interested in the history of Redmond.” 

Palmer’s East has been a Business Member of the Redmond Historical Society for over 5 years and is open 10 am to 1 am every day, with Karaoke, weekly trivia, and special holiday events. Outdoor seating under red umbrellas on the patio festively  decorated with bright flowerpots is available, and there’s something for everyone (even dogs are welcome)!