Downtown Bellingham restaurant makes a comeback after closing back in March
One of downtown Bellingham’s popular restaurants recently reopened following a closure earlier this year and change of ownership.
Bayou on Bay, a Cajun, Southern and Creole restaurant that opened in 2007, closed back in March.
“Deciding to close hasn’t been easy. This place has given me purpose and filled my life with so many unforgettable moments,” a social media post on the business’ profile stated in March. “But as my daughters have lovingly reminded me, change is part of life’s journey. With my lease coming to an end, rising costs making it harder to sustain the business, and recognizing that I no longer have the energy I once did, it feels like the right time to turn the page and step into retirement.”
A family purchased the business in April with a promise to reopen the restaurant.
“The community asked … and the Painter family answered,” a social media post stated. “We’re beyond excited to share that the Painter’s have stepped forward to carry the Bayou torch and keep this beloved restaurant alive. They’re already hard at work giving Bayou a little refresh and plan to reopen the doors soon.”
Now the popular restaurant — known for its beignets, frog legs, jambalaya and craft cocktails — has reopened, according to a July 4 social media post.
“We’re having our soft opening tomorrow, July 5, from 2 to 9 p.m. with a select menu, before revealing our full menu next week. Stop by, or join us Sunday for brunch from 10am-3pm, and dinner service from 3 to 9 p.m.,” the post states.
The restaurant also posted a new menu of special drinks and dishes for Downtown Bellingham’s Downtown Sounds concert series, including “Voodoo Juice,” Cajun BBQ shrimp, beignets and frog legs.
The restaurant’s operating hours are also listed on its Facebook profile, although the restaurant’s website has not been updated since the March closure.
The restaurant will operate 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 1300 Bay St. in downtown Bellingham.
