Case Study: How I Marketed the Former Apple Cup Cafe Site in Chelan

Apple Cup Cafe has served Chelan since 1957. In March 2024, a fire badly damaged its longtime restaurant building at 804 E Woodin Avenue. Apple Cup Too remained open, and the restaurant reopened at 114 E Woodin Avenue in downtown Chelan in 2025.

The owners also had an important commercial real estate decision to make about the former restaurant site.

I had already helped them with several purchases and sales over the years. When they were ready to bring the property to market, they trusted me to guide another transaction.

What made this property different from a standard commercial listing?

Many people in Chelan knew the address because of Apple Cup Cafe. That recognition brought attention to the property, but a serious buyer still needed to understand the real estate. The restaurant building was gone. I needed to present the site based on its land, location, zoning, utilities, and development standards. My role was to explain those details clearly and help buyers understand why they mattered.

What were the property’s most important features?

The original offering included approximately 0.55 acres, or 23,958 square feet, of level land. It had about 228 feet of frontage on East Woodin Avenue and included eight recorded lots.

Other important features included:

• Highway Service Commercial zoning

• City water and sewer connections

• Construction power already connected

• Boundary survey information

• A visible location near downtown Chelan

These details helped buyers evaluate the site before investing more time and money in a specific plan.

Why was the zoning important?

The property carried Highway Service Commercial zoning, known as C-HS.

Under the City of Chelan development standards in effect when the property was listed, C-HS zoning allowed maximum lot coverage of 65 percent and a base building height of up to 40 feet. The district required no front or side setback and a five-foot rear setback.

Those standards could give a future owner more usable building area than a property with larger setback requirements. The zoning also permits a broad range of commercial and residential uses, subject to the rules that apply to each project.

Any proposed development would still require City of Chelan review. Parking, access, building, fire, utilities, and other requirements could affect what a buyer could build.

How did you position the property for buyers?

I did not market it as a replacement restaurant. I presented it as a commercial development opportunity that could interest several types of buyers.

The likely audience included:

• Developers evaluating a future project

• Investors looking for commercial land in Chelan

• Business owners seeking a visible location

• Buyers considering uses allowed under C-HS zoning

I focused the marketing on the property’s physical facts and development standards. Buyers could then decide whether the site deserved further review based on their own goals.

How did you discuss development potential without making promises?

This is an important part of commercial real estate work.

A broker can explain the current zoning, dimensions, utilities, survey information, and permitted-use framework. A broker should not promise that a buyer’s specific project will receive approval.

I made the confirmed property information clear. I also made it clear that buyers needed to verify their plans with the City of Chelan and the architects, engineers, contractors, lenders, and other professionals involved.

That approach gave buyers useful information while keeping the marketing accurate.

What was the result?

The transaction reached closing. The owners completed another sale after choosing to work with me again. Apple Cup Cafe also continued serving the community. The restaurant reopened in downtown Chelan, and Apple Cup Too remained open on East Woodin Avenue. For me, this sale showed why commercial property marketing requires more than exposure. Buyers need accurate information, a practical explanation of the opportunity, and clear guidance about what still needs to be verified.

What did the owners say about working with you?

The owners shared this review:

“We've used Arturo for a number of real estate purchases and sales, each of which he's been professional, courteous and knowledgeable. He's helped understand the market for setting prices and making offers, always striving to make sure we get the best deal possible. I'd recommend Arturo to anyone looking to purchase or sell in the valley!”

What can other commercial property owners learn from this sale?

Start with the information that affects how a buyer can use the property.

Before you list, confirm:

• Current zoning and permitted uses

• Building height, lot coverage, and setback standards

• Property boundaries and legal descriptions

• Access and easements

• Water, sewer, power, and other utilities

• Available surveys and environmental reports

• Parking and access requirements that may affect development

• The buyers most likely to consider the property

An experienced commercial broker should be able to explain what makes the property useful, identify the questions buyers will ask, and recognize when another qualified professional needs to provide the answer.

Who can help me sell commercial property in Chelan?

If you are considering selling commercial property in Chelan or the surrounding area, I can help you review the details, identify the likely buyer, and build a marketing plan around the property’s real advantages.

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