If you've driven down 35th Ave. SW anytime in the last 40 or so years you know "The Cow" atop the building at 7500 35th SW. That's the location for John's Deli, one of the last small grocery stores in Seattle.

Now it's set to close Feb. 1.

Run by Christina and Peter Yun, the store, once owned and run by John Esget for many years, and then by a series of other operators, was once a place where people could get a sandwich, pick up a quick food item, or grab a lottery ticket and in the past, use their cold storage lockers for frozen goods, like beef, hence "The Cow" symbolizing what you could store there. The building and land are now owned by Clearview Eye & Laser, the business that has been under construction just down the block for some months now.

For the Yun's, the cost of staying as the rent went up became too much to operate at a profit so they've chosen to close. Until they do, they told the Herald, they are discounting their remaining inventory which includes lots of cold beverages and other grocery items.

The clinic Office Manager Louise Coomes said that they have been talking with a number of potential tenants but the leading contender is a brewery/pub which would require substantial remodeling before that could take place. "Whatever happens, the Cow will stay," she said. A permit to destroy the building was issued in September.

Clearview Eye & Laser itself is looking at moving into their new location in late February with a Grand Opening for the clinic coming in late March or early April after all the equipment is completely installed and the last of the building decor and other work is completed.