Small Business Spotlight: Union Block Bistro
Union Block Bistro offers American bistro fare cuisine in a homey, vintage-styled location. Enjoy a hyperlocal menu whether you’re a meat-lover, vegan, vegetarian, or searching for yummy gluten-free options! Read more about Heidi Herr as she shares her experience as a small business owner and joins the Downtown Mount Vernon Community.
A new hyperlocal flavor has joined the Downtown Mount Vernon community! Union Block Bistro is more than a place to grab a meal. Its vintage-style interior creates a welcoming atmosphere for all who enter. Owned by Seattle native Heidi Herr, this American bistro’s foundation is community building, creative dishes, and collaboration with local farms for ingredients.
“We’re attempting to do a pretty hyperlocal menu, supporting the local farm and economy as much as we can,” Herr said. “Our focus is on American bistro fare. We’re open for both brunch and lunch right now.”
Union Block Bistro goes above and beyond to ensure that everyone has a seat at the table, offering options for meat-eaters, vegetarians, vegans, and those with gluten-free diets.
Heidi is no stranger to the world of small business ownership. Having owned multiple businesses in Seattle since 2002, she brings years of experience and a passion for crafting welcoming spaces. But after years in the city, she felt drawn to something different.
“I love it up here, and it’s exciting to be in a little downtown area,” Herr said.
But being a business owner isn’t always easy. Running a restaurant presents its own set of challenges, from juggling multiple responsibilities to ensuring customers have the greatest experience possible.
“You have to wear so many different hats, but the reason I’ve done it for so long and chose to do it again is the community aspect,” Herr said. “I love to cook, and I find joy in people ordering something, telling me how delicious it is, and saying they’ll be back.”
One thing that sets Union Block Bistro apart from some restaurants is its evolving menu which can change based on seasonal ingredients and availability.
“Sometimes I go to order something for the menu, and I just can’t get that ingredient,” Heidi said. “I have to pivot–but that’s part of the fun. I hope the clientele that comes in here are adventurous people who are excited to eat local and try something new.”
Reducing waste is also a top priority for Heidi as she balances ordering inventory and ensuring sustainability.
“It’s a delicate dance, but I love the challenge of it,” she said.
As for future plans, Heidi has plenty of ideas. She hopes to collaborate with the Lincoln Theatre to offer pre-show dinner specials and even host other community events at Union Block Bistro. Stay tuned for extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays.
“One of my businesses in Seattle was an event space where we hosted gatherings and did community outreach,” Heidi said. “That kind of thing is really important to me and this is such a great place for it.”
If you find yourself walking along First Street looking for a bite to eat, try Union Block Bistro and share the same adventurous energy that Heidi has.
