Lynden residents soon will get a chance to enjoy an Edaleen ice cream hangout near the downtown district.

Last week Edaleen Dairy announced it had purchased the former Eastside Market building at 1011 E. Grover St. and is converting it into an ice cream parlor.

Along with Edaleen's popular ice cream, the 2,400-square-foot building will have a small grocery store and offer soup and sandwiches, said Mitch Moorlag, general manager of Edaleen.

Renovations are under way and the plan is to have a grand opening celebration Dec. 1, just in time for Lynden's Lighted Christmas Parade.

"We're making some cosmetic changes to the inside, which needs some TLC," Moorlag said. "A lot of people in Lynden are looking for a place to bring the family for some dessert treats."

Moorlag said the owners of Edaleen, Ed and Aileen Brandsma, have long wanted to put this type of business within the city limits. The dairy has stores in Sumas and on Guide Meridian that focus on selling milk and other dairy products. Edaleen's products also are in a variety of stores throughout Whatcom County.

"So far the response in the community has been nothing but positive," Moorlag said. "It's been a while since Lynden has had an ice cream place like this; some remember when Big Scoop was in town."

Along with the scoops of Edaleen ice cream, Moorlag said they want to offer a variety of other ice cream dishes. The goal is to let the customers dictate what type of place it will become.

Once the remodeling is finished, hours at the ice cream parlor will be 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, closed Sunday. For details about Edaleen Dairy, visit edaleendairy.com.

NEW CIAO THYME CAFÉ OFF AND RUNNING

After years of catering, teaching classes and dinner events, Ciao Thyme is now offering lunch through its own café.

The café opened Sept. 25 at 207 Unity St. in Bellingham and offers a variety of local lunch items and desserts, said Shawn Warner, a sous chef for the company.

Warner said they work with local farmers to put together a menu so customers can try out a variety of items. Menu items include sandwiches, tarts, cakes and cookies.

The café is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. For details, visit ciaothyme.com or call 360-733-1267.

OTHER TIDBITS

Plenty of retail activity is taking place at Bakerview Square, near Bellis Fair mall. According to property manager Randy Sears, Red Tag Furniture Consignment is expected to open next month, along with West Coast Fitness. Scheduled to open soon are Coast Salish Creations, which will focus on Native American art, and Clearview Eyecare.

Businesses that have recently opened include Plum Chic and Kucumber Skin Lounge. Connect Nationwide, a cable, Internet and telephone service provider, recently moved into a larger space.

• Halibut Henry's has applied for a state liquor license to sell beer and wine at its café in the Bellingham Cruise Terminal.

Retail Tip Sheet runs each Sunday.

Reach DAVE GALLAGHER at dave.gallagher@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2269. Visit his business blog online at blogs.bellinghamherald.com/business or get updates on Twitter at twitter.com/BhamHeraldBiz.