New pizza and cocktail bar coming to downtown Bellingham’s Herald Building
A downtown Bellingham restaurant and bar that opened in 2024 is now permanently closed, and a local entrepreneur plans to take over the historic space with a similar concept.
Starla’s, a natural wine bar and pizza restaurant, was started by Jordan Koplowitz, a Bellingham native and recent James Beard Award nominee, and Christy Wyble. The duo previously operated Blotto, a popular pizza restaurant in Seattle.
The closure was announced in a March 29 Instagram post.
“Last night was Starla’s final service in Bellingham. Thank you thank you thank you. From the bottom of our hearts, we truly appreciate all the support and love you’ve given us the past (almost) two years. It’s a bittersweet goodbye to this community that’s welcomed us, and it’s been an honor to feed you pizza and pour you wine,” the post states.
Although Bellingham is losing the popular bar and restaurant, the duo is planning to move back to Seattle and open Starla’s in the city.
“We have decided to move back to Seattle, and we’re bringing Starla’s with us. Expect a legit pizzeria, expect table service, expect more pies. Maybe a cold martini? No signed lease yet. But hopefully in the near future. … stay tuned. Third time’s the charm,” the Instagram post states.
According to the Starla’s website, the restaurant is expected to open in late 2026 or early 2027 in Seattle.
But what will happen to Starla’s previous location inside the Herald Building?
“We love the Herald Building. It’s so iconic. And the space we really liked because of its original flooring that was in here when it was built in 1925, and the vibe of the space. It felt like we could add to the space while still making it feel like it was appropriate to be in the building,” Koplowitz told The Bellingham Herald back in 2024.
A new restaurant is already planned to take over Starla’s location, run by Corey Silversmith, previous co-owner of Makeworth Coffee in downtown Bellingham, according to an April 1 post on Starla’s Instagram.
The new Neapolitan pizza restaurant and cocktail bar, called Pendino, is planned to open in May, according to the restaurant’s website.
“The Pendino name comes from my great-grandfather — from Naples, Italy — where restaurants weren’t just places to eat, but places to stay. Where conversations stretched longer than expected. Where strangers became friends. Where time softened around the table,” a March 4 Instagram post states on Pendino’s profile.
The restaurant is currently accepting inquiries for job openings online.
Pendino will be at 1149 N State Street in downtown Bellingham.
Editor’s note (April 6): A previous version of this article misstated Corey Silversmith’s association with Makeworth Coffee. Silversmith is a former co-owner of Makeworth, though he is no longer associated with that business.
This story was originally published April 6, 2026 at 5:20 AM.
