The Grand Opening of COMMUNION Restaurant & Bar on December 5th, 2020, was more than just a celebration of a new culinary space—it was a powerful testament to community resilience, Black excellence, and the enduring legacy of the Central District. Co-owned by Chef Kristi Brown and her son Damon Bomar, the restaurant embodies the spirit of family and community, bringing people together in a space that honors the rich history of the Central District, including its connection to Liberty Bank, the first Black-owned bank west of the Mississippi.

The event, delayed multiple times due to permitting delays, construction, and COVID-19, was a highly anticipated day, marked by a vibrant ribbon-cutting ceremony and followed by a lively gathering, featured a live DJ set by Seattle Hip-Hop Legend Vitamin D and a pop-up by Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey live screened by Emmy-award winning Converge Media. The grand opening was not only a showcase of Chef Kristi's "Seattle Soul" cuisine but also a celebration of the community’s enduring spirit amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

RieImagine Solutions played a pivotal role in the success of the COMMUNION Grand Opening.

As the lead in planning services, RieImagine Solutions was responsible for organizing and executing the ribbon-cutting ceremony, supporting outreach,co-curating program lineup, invite list, and media relations, as well as the lead coordinator for the day-of-event logistics. Our purpose was to ensure that the event ran smoothly, adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols while maintaining a festive and welcoming atmosphere.

RieImagine also facilitated key partnerships, such as the collaboration with Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, adding an extra layer of sophistication and cultural significance to the event, and discovering (and hiring on the spot) sought-after and lead photographer for Converge Media, Jordan Somers. Our strategic promotion and on-site coordination were crucial in drawing a strong turnout and ensuring the event’s success.

The grand opening of COMMUNION Restaurant & Bar left a lasting impact on Seattle’s Central District and the city as a whole.

COMMUNION has become a symbol of Black entrepreneurship and cultural preservation, revitalizing the Central District’s legacy. The restaurant’s opening showcased the importance of reclaiming Black spaces, creating a lasting legacy of pride, inspiration, and community resilience in the face of adversity.