Bellevue’s Lunchbox Laboratory, situated within the Elements Apartments building at 989 112th Avenue Northeast, has officially closed its doors. According to retail management for the Elements building, the restaurant will not be reopening.
Lunchbox Laboratory, known for its distinctive burgers and Snoqualmie ice cream shakes, initially made waves in 2012 when it opened at this location, serving both lunch and dinner. As the restaurant’s second branch following its South Lake Union spot, Lunchbox Laboratory quickly gained attention for its innovative approach to burgers, featuring over-the-top flavors and a commitment to high-quality ingredients.
Over the years, the eatery expanded its footprint within the Elements building. In 2014, an adjacent space was transformed to include a banquet room complete with a full bar and menu, equipped to host parties with audiovisual connections and retro arcade games. However, the journey was not without challenges.
In 2018, Lunchbox Laboratory faced a setback when flooding forced the closure of its doors for two months, prompting a substantial renovation. Shortly after reopening, King County Public Health intervened, mandating another closure due to the restaurant’s failure to provide hot water. This led to the establishment receiving a “Need to Improve” rating, the lowest possible rating, based on four inspections dating back to 2015, as reported by the Bellevue Reporter.
Now, the Lunchbox Laboratory space is up for sale at $200,000. The listing describes it as a “turnkey restaurant opportunity,” boasting essential features such as a 16-foot type-1 hood, two walk-in refrigerators, shared restrooms, a private dining room, event space with a bar accommodating 20–70 people, free onsite parking for guests, and paid onsite parking for employees.
