Redmond Gazette

Redmond’s Independent Voice Since 2026

Redmond, Washington

Category: Business

Local business news, tech industry, and economic development

  • New Food Hall Coming to Redmond Town Center This Fall

    A 12,000-square-foot artisan food hall is set to open at Redmond Town Center this October, bringing 16 local food vendors under one roof in what developers call the largest culinary destination on the Eastside.

    The Eastside Food Collective will feature cuisines including Japanese ramen, Ethiopian injera, Neapolitan pizza, and Pacific Northwest seafood. A central bar will serve local craft cocktails and Washington wines.

    Developer Greenbridge Properties selected vendors through a competitive process prioritizing local ownership and culinary creativity. Half of the vendors are first-time restaurant owners.

    “Redmond’s food scene has exploded in the last few years, and this hall gives talented chefs an affordable entry point,” said project lead Anika Desai. The food hall will operate seven days a week.

  • Eastside Tech Corridor Sees Record Commercial Lease Activity

    Commercial real estate along Redmond’s tech corridor has hit an all-time high, with lease activity in the first quarter of 2026 surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 18%, according to Eastside Commercial Advisors.

    The surge is driven largely by AI startups and cloud computing firms seeking proximity to Microsoft’s headquarters. Average asking rents along 148th Avenue NE have risen to $52 per square foot.

    “Redmond is no longer just Microsoft’s town — it’s becoming a diverse tech ecosystem,” said commercial broker Jennifer Huang.

    The city’s economic development office reports that 47 new businesses have registered in Redmond since January, creating an estimated 1,200 jobs.

  • Microsoft Campus Expansion Brings 3,000 New Jobs to Redmond

    Microsoft announced Wednesday a major expansion of its Redmond campus that will bring an estimated 3,000 new positions to the city over the next two years, primarily in artificial intelligence and cloud computing divisions.

    The tech giant plans to construct two new office buildings on its East Campus, totaling 450,000 square feet of workspace. The buildings will feature sustainable design elements including solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and green rooftops.

    Company spokesperson David Chen said the expansion reflects Microsoft’s commitment to its Redmond headquarters. “While we have offices worldwide, Redmond is our home.”

    City officials say the expansion will generate significant tax revenue and boost the local economy. The Lake Washington School District is already planning for anticipated growth in student enrollment.