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closeIf you’ve ever wanted to name a business without actually going through the sweat of actually operating one, here’s your chance.
Sonya Mozes recently opened a furniture liquidation store at the Cascade Business Park on Guide Meridian, just north of Smith Road. For now she’s calling the business Quality Furniture Liquidator, but she’s taking nominations for a new name.
People can drop by the store through Sunday and submit a suggestion. The person who submits the name Mozes likes the most will win a romance package at the Chrysalis Inn & Spa, which includes an overnight stay, massages at the spa and breakfast.
“I wanted a really great name and have been having a hard time coming up with one myself, so I thought it would be great to get the customers involved,” Mozes said. “I’m looking for a name that when people read it, they know exactly what kind of store this is.”
Mozes held a grand opening earlier this month. The store, which has a 2,400-square-foot showroom, offers wholesale pricing on a variety of product lines, including Bernhardt, Lane, Casana and Hammary. It includes dressers, nightstands and bedroom sets made of solid wood and Italian leather.
“My goal is to give everyone an opportunity to have nice furniture in their home, because it’s expensive just to get a house these days,” Mozes said. “We’re also geared toward college students or retired people on a fixed income.”
For more information about the store, call 778-1369.
BIGGER BUT STILL COZY
When Chelsea Farmer was ready to expand the Temple Bar at 306 W. Champion St., she decided to consult with the previous owner of the bar, which turned out to be a great experience.
“Liz (Dean, the previous owner) had this idea of how to expand this place before selling it to me, so I talked to her about it. I wasn’t sure about it at first, but it has turned out to be an amazing job,” Farmer said. “I’m glad I put my trust in her.”
By expanding into the old bail bonds location next door, the bar was able to nearly double its size to 1,400 square feet. The project was completed and a grand re-opening was held earlier this month.
Farmer was concerned that the place would lose its coziness through the expansion.
“I was worried that the regulars would just stick to one part of the room, but that hasn’t been the case,” Farmer said. “The place has the same feel as before.”
The Temple Bar was started in 2002 and has been one of the mainstays in the Mount Baker Apartments building, along with Mount Bakery and The Black Drop Coffeehouse. Farmer said the three businesses have worked very well together.
“It’s created a situation where there is something happening along this block all day long, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner or the evening hours,” Farmer said.
The bar has done well by having the theater crowd, who drop by before and after shows.
“We’re also looking forward to the Pickford’s new theater across the street,” Farmer said. “I think it’s been great how this area is developing as an arts district.”
A FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY TO CHEW ON
The HoneyBaked Ham Co. and Cafe, known for its glazed spiral sliced ham, wants to expand into Bellingham and is looking for a franchisee candidate.
Jim Squire, director of franchise development for the company, said Bellingham is the right population size for the typical HoneyBaked store. Also, the company doesn’t have any stores in Canada, so there is plenty of opportunity to build that customer base here.
“We think it would be an ideal spot for us,” said Squire, who said the company is also looking at the Longview, Yakima and Kennewick areas.
Squire said they try to push the quality-of-life aspect for people considering franchises. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., which allows the franchisee to spend time with family.
“We’re aware our franchisee owners want to do things like coach Little League games and spend time with their family and run a business like this,” Squire said.
The stores cover about 1,600 square feet and usually are located in strip mall spaces. Squire said the stores do much of their business around the holidays, but also tend to build a strong catering business, as well as retail for people needing a quick lunch or taking something home for dinner. There are about 400 stores operating nationwide and around 20 are added a year.
For more information, call (866) 968-7424 or visit
www.honeybakedfranchising.com.
OTHER TIDBITS
A new restaurant will be going into the former Bistro Zazou space on Magnolia Street next to The Newstand. According to the “coming soon” sign on the window, the new restaurant is called Nona Rosa’s Sicilian Ristorante and remodeling work is under way. … Another “coming soon” sign is up in a spot on the corner of Holly and Prospect streets, next to Backcountry Essentials, for a business called Cameo Shoe Shoppe, a women’s shoes and accessories store. … Things seem to be moving along for The Copper Hog, which is going in at the former State Street Depot spot on 1327 N. State St. The new owners applied for a liquor license last week. … Two other businesses applied for liquor licenses with the state Liquor Control Board. One is Eden’s Gate Vineyard, at 5806 Elder Road, Ferndale, for a domestic winery. The other application is for La Gloria Market, which is going in at the former Tienda El Polivoz spot at 4140 Meridian St. … Keith Cox Autobahn is moving its sales and service departments to 1814 Ellis St., just south of the new Bellingham Food Bank. According to a company press release, the move will allow for an expansion of the service side of the business, which specializes in BMW, Audi, Volkswagen and mini vehicles. They expect to move into the new spot March 24. For more information, call 733-2721.
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