Seattle-based eatery expanding into Bellingham; another cafe faces closure
Here’s a roundup of recent restaurant and retail activity around Whatcom County:
▪ A popular Seattle-area tamale company is expanding to Bellingham.
Frelard Tamales announced on social media that it plans to be in Bellingham by early summer 2022, starting with a walk-up window and offering free delivery to Bellingham neighborhoods. It has not publicly announced which part of town, but did note they have other plans in the works beyond the walk-up window service that they will announce later.
According to its website, Frelard was started in Seattle six years ago with the goal of making authentic Mexican tamales. The business name is a combination of the Fremont and Ballard neighborhoods. The company has been featured in a variety of Seattle media, including Evening Magazine and The Seattle Times.
▪ Tess Winds-Johnson and Jason Brubaker announced on social media that they will no longer own the Beach Store Cafe on Lummi Island after Thursday, Sept. 30. They had operated the cafe since 2014.
The post noted that they decided after much discussion that it was time to try something else.
“We feel immensely grateful for this community; for the many years of support, kindness, generosity, patronage, and love,” the post said.
The post went on to say it is their hope that “someone amazing steps in to run the cafe with new energy, ambition, vision, integrity, and a new dream,” but didn’t announce new ownership at this time.
▪ The owners of Casa Que Pasa received quite a bit of feedback after it announced on Friday, Aug. 27 that it was closing.
“In addition to the comments on the post, we’ve also gotten so many emails and messages, wishing us well and telling us how much they will miss the Potato Burrito,” said Selah Tay-Song, sister of one of the owners, in an email. “It’s a rollercoaster of emotions for all of us.”
While the current ownership is done, the feedback has them wondering if Casa can reopen. They are open to the idea of passing the torch on to someone else. For those interested, email the company at casaquepasarestaurant@gmail.com
▪ The announced closures of Casa Que Pasa and Fat Pie Pizza got me wondering how this area is doing with restaurant/bar openings/closings so far in 2021. Surprisingly, despite all the adjustments that have been made this year, I count only a handful of places that have permanently closed so far. Others that have closed so far include Northside Restaurant & Lounge, La Chapina, Big Love (Herald Building), Swim Club and Gainsbarre.
Last year I counted 22 permanent closures of restaurants and bars.
▪ If you haven’t made it out to the C Shop candy store in Birch Bay or want to stock up on treats, Labor Day weekend is the last chance for the season.
The store, which is at 4825 Alderson Road, celebrated its 50th summer season. The business announced on its website that it will be closed until next spring. Hours during Labor Day weekend are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Along with candy and ice cream, the store offers fudge and peanut brittle.
▪ Avenue Bread submitted a building permit application to expand its Fairhaven cafe into the vacant space next door. The cafe is at 1135 11th St.
This story was originally published September 4, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
