For Bob Lunke and Chad Gabelein West Seattle was a place they liked, Lunke lives here, but it was missing something. As gay men they both thought for the last few years that for the gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and trans gender community, ever since the former gay bar called Guppy's closed there was no place specific for them to socialize with other LGBTQ people.

"We needed one," Lunke said," We missed not having one here."

That's what led them both to the decision to take a significant financial risk and open OutWest, a bar and restaurant aimed at LGBTQ people but also meant to be "straight friendly." Located on California Avenue next to West Seattle Nursery, the pair have been busy remodeling the 1358 square foot, former Westside Pharmacy building. The address is 5401 California Avenue s.w. Outwest will open to the public in early August.

"Nobody wants to get in their car and in the middle of traffic, drive to Capitol Hill, said Gabelein, "It just made sense. There's such a large and supportive gay and lesbian community here in West Seattle it was appropriate, and the timing was right too."

The timing was right in part because Lunke, who recently retired from the Army Reserve (after serving two tours of duty in Iraq in Civil Affairs) with 30 years of service was "looking for something new to do." Gabelein, who is a registered nurse, working in a stroke unit at a major Seattle hospital, "was looking for something new too," said Lunke.

As friends they had talked about it for the last three years but nothing gelled immediately. "Neither of us have ever started a business before but part of it was, I wanted to learn how to do it," said Lunke. Their educational process included talking with other bar owners, notably 'Barbie' who owns a cocktail lounge called Purr on Capitol Hill. "She told us to talk to the Small Business Administration (SBA)." That proved to be remarkably good advice.

At first they were discouraged because they were advised to "start a wine bar," which wasn't their goal. But a second interview on financing led them to Bernard. "He was awesome," enthused Lunke, " He's in his late 70's and he had lived in New York City, had started new businesses for 30 years there. He and his wife later moved to Seattle.

He asked me, 'Are there…' and before he could finish I told him 'No, there's no competition in West Seattle." Bernard was extremely encouraging and revealed that he had been in Greenwich Village in 1969 during 'Stonewall' (a landmark gay rights event), and had participated with his wife in the marches. "He gave me first hand information on what is a seminal event in gay cultural history. He was one of the indispensable people who got us going on the right path."

Outwest plans on serving a menu that is casual, and fast with choices ranging from "Small bites" like chicken wings or a Hummus Platter to what they call Fire Pit Viddles (dinners) with items like beef sliders, burgers, or ribs, plus soups or a grilled chicken caesar salad. The kitchen will utilize a commercial convection oven, commercial microwave, and crockpots.

They may expand the menu later to include vegetarian and/or gluten free items depending what the customers call for, and they are building the facility for that eventuality. The beverages will be beer and wine.

They describe the interior decor as, "Anywhere between the old west and Sunset Magazine," said Lunke. "There's going to be some kitcshy hits, you know that pioneering spirit coming to Outwest and we're also going to have polished copper bar tops, stained concrete floors and a hit of local flavor, " said Gabelein. The interior was designed by The Johnson Partnership and for this project by West Seattle resident, Designer Ellen Mirro.

They've had lots of inquiries about jobs but to begin, Lunke will be the primary employee with Gabelein retaining his medical work, filling in as needed. They may have some people come in to fill in after they get their volume up to a good level. First they have to get open and serving customers.

"We want to meet that first goal of being a comfortable, safe, attractive, community place for the LGBT client base. That's our target and that's who we need to please," said Lunke.

They can accommodate 83 people (with seating for 63) and they are building the facility centered around a 29 foot long bar on the south wall. There will be booths and free standing tables and chairs. "There's also some banquettes and Bob has created a cute little bench area."

The construction process is proving to be surprising both in terms of process and cost for the new businessmen. "There are roadblocks and it's an old building," Lunke explained, "We're finding new things all the time, that, 'OK, there's another thousand there."

The best part of the process for Lunke has been, "Thus far the experience of learning what it takes to open a small business and the people who have helped us."

There haven't been any objections to a bar of this type opening in the community. Not too surprising given West Seattle's traditional tolerance and political profile, but concerns during the process were raised about just being another bar opening, plus potential impacts on traffic, possible noise issues, and possible crime. Lunke and Gabelein are both very comfortable that they've addressed these concerns and that they won't be problems.

In fact, Gabelein, (who incidentally also has experience in the restaurant industry) created a Facebook page for the establishment and it has resulted in an early showing of both interest and support for the fledgling effort. "Every day there are people trying to 'Friend' us and giving us these words of support and anticipation and they are so excited. It's just been fantastic. That makes it all worthwhile."

Their website, still under construction, is here.