BELLEVUE, Wash. - Instead of high tech and trendy, Skate King offers colorful carpet and well-worn wheels.
Michael Louis, the General Manager, has worked there for 30 years.
"It truly is a retro, time-traveling vehicle to the 80's, to simpler days," said Louis.
But now the popular spot for birthday parties, first dates, and family nights is closing its doors. The real estate reality is crushing for the business. The skating rink sits on pricey property in Bellevue.
"It has skyrocketed in value. Someone else can afford that value, but skating can't," said Louis.
"It is just a whole generation of kids and adults that will really miss this place and that is going to be the hardest part," said DJ Apollo, a former employee.
Louis says he is working now to find investors and another location on the East Side where he can reopen. If he's not able to do that 20 people will lose their jobs and a community will lose Skate King. Skate King will remain in its Bellevue location until June 30.
