Introducing your newest Board of Directors for HDKP!

Meet Joel Watson!

You might recognize Joel as the owner of Just Joel’s on Kennewick Avenue. A popping breakfast and lunch spot here in the downtown. You might also recognize Joel from TV or Social Media from his work on the many fundraisers to assistance our community. Most recently he helped raise funds for school aged kids to get free headphones to help them focus with distance and virtual learning. Joel is passionate about giving back and he looks forward to working on the board, he says, 

“I’d just like to help in anyway that I can or that is possible. I started cooking in downtown Kennewick and one day hope to relocate my own business further downtown and help bring more people spending their money and time downtown Kennewick.”

Joel was born in Clarkson, Washington and moved to downtown Kennewick in the 5th grade. He has been a downtowner ever since, going on 33 years now. Outside of work Joel enjoys being a philanthropist and helping charities. When asked what his favorite part about downtown is, he says, 

“I’m from Kennewick. That’s where I started cooking, it’s the heart of Kennewick. Just trying to bring some fire and spunk to the area. Do some good and get things moving.”

We love Joel’s dedication, hustle, and enthusiasm and with Joel on the board, we know he will help us achieve big things for downtown!