The operators of the Cedarcrest Restaurant won a reprieve from the courts on April 15, allowing them to stay in business for a while longer.

Pat and Kathy Regan, who have operated the restaurant for the past five years, were faced with eviction by the City of Marysville after they neglected to file a written intent to renew their lease on the restaurant at the municipal golf course. When the Regans failed to shut down the business by the March 31 deadline, the city served them with an eviction notice for April 15.

The Regans countersued the city, asking for arbitration, and Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Thomas Wynne granted the couple's request.

Wynne's ruling cited a 1979 Seattle restaurant case as a precedent, and noted that the lease in question requires the parties to use arbitration in the event of a dispute.

"We're very excited about this," said Kathy Regan. "It's a glimmer of hope."

The arbitration schedule has not yet been determined, but in the meantime, the Regans can continue operating the popular neighborhood restaurant under the current lease agreement.

"Our customers have started a Save the Restaurant guest book," Regan pointed out. "I don't know that will have any effect on the city, though. Frankly, I don't think they care."

The city has been reticent about the issue. City administrator Mary Swenson issued a written statement in March, stating the City intended to operate the restaurant, which has been profitable under the Regans' management, to help offset financial losses at the adjacent golf course.

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