Bellingham breakfast spot permanently closes, citing coronavirus pandemic as a factor
As Whatcom County attempts to reopen the economy during this coronavirus pandemic, some companies won’t make it back.
This area remains in Phase 1 of Gov. Inslee’s Safe Start program allowing retail stores to start the process of reopening. In Phase 2, which could happen in early June in some counties, retail stores can start allowing a limited number of customers inside to shop, but there will be a list of restrictions in place.
Some business owners are making the decision not to reopen as a result of the economic toll from COVID-19. This list of the companies that have either announced or confirmed plans to not reopen will be updated throughout the coming weeks; owners announcing closures can send details to dave.gallagher@bellinghamherald.com.
▪ The breakfast restaurant Over Easy permanently closed on Monday, June 8. The Sunnyland neighborhood eatery, which opened in 2015 near Trader Joe’s, could not sustain the reserves to stay open, according to owners Jaime and Colleen Bohnett.
“This is a heartbreaking decision for us,” said the Bohnetts in a letter posted on the front door of Over Easy, noting the pandemic made it difficult but appreciated the support as they tried to survive during Phase 1 with takeout orders.
▪ The Bellingham-based job training business Appliance Depot is permanently closing.
The nonprofit organization known for salvaging, refurbishing and selling used appliances announced it would not reopen in a news release and on social media. It was part of ReUse Works and was used to train low-income residents with job skills.
More than 40,000 appliances were refurbished over the past 15 years through the organization, according to the news release. More than 400 low-income residents received work experience and training.
In recent years the organization had seen a decrease in appliance sales combined with a prolonged drip in scrap metal prices. The global pandemic then proved too challenging a hardship for the business to overcome.
“The work of Appliance Depot has been a labor of love and community service. The loss of the program for our community is heartbreaking for both staff and board members. We are proud of our accomplishments and thankful for the support we’ve received from customers, local agencies, funders, and the greater Whatcom County community.” Jeff Giesen, ReUse Works board president.
In the coming weeks ReUse will work to liquidate and recycle remaining appliances and existing assets as well as support former employees making sure they have the resources they need to cope with the closure. Community members can find future liquidation sale dates and times on Appliance Depot’s Facebook page.
▪ The Fairhaven big red bus known for serving fish and chips and ice cream is completely cleared of equipment and is now an empty shell. The bus, which is on the corner of Harris Avenue and 11th St., closed over the winter with no announcement about whether it was a seasonal or permanent closure.
▪ The Village Inn Pub & Eatery announced on Facebook on Sunday, May 31 that it does not plan to reopen. The pub, operated by Ken and Mare Boyle for more than 20 years, wouldn’t be able to handle the restrictions involved with reopening during the coronavirus pandemic and make a profit.
“Attempting to reopen and maintain a successful and profitable business is both improbable and unadvisable,” the Boyles said in the Facebook statement.
The pub was at 3020 Northwest Ave., near Yeager’s Sporting Goods.
▪ Herb’s Cider announced on Facebook in April that it has permanently close its tasting room on 1228 Bay St., near Camber. The company continues to run its manufacturing operations and its products can be found at a variety of local restaurants and stores.
▪ Kay Cake Designs announced on Facebook that it will not be reopening. Owner Stacy Glick said being closed for three months without government assistance led to her decision to permanently close the doors of the downtown Bellingham bakery.
Glick had run the business for eight years, most of the time as a home-based business. She opened the Cornwall Avenue storefront in August 2019.
▪ The Firefly Lounge at 1015 N. State St. announced in an email and on social media that it will not be reopening.
Co-owner Justin Smith said in an email update that the decision wasn’t made lightly, “but with the amount of uncertainty in the world right now it was one that needed to be made.”
The lounge and live music venue opened in 2018, taking over the space from The Green Frog. As businesses begin the reopening process, perhaps live music venues and bars face the most uncertain reopening process while trying to avoid the spread of the coronavirus.
“It’s tough to say goodbye to what has been a major part of my life for more than two years, but I’ve made a lifetime’s worth of memories and experiences during that time that I’ll never forget. You made it all worth it,” Smith said in the email.
▪ Already mired in a bankruptcy prior to the pandemic, Pier 1 Imports is planning to have a liquidation sale as soon as it can reopen before permanently closing.
The Bellingham store at 4061 Meridian St. was first issued a business license in July 1990, and was one of several large retailers that opened on Meridian Street after the opening of Bellis Fair in August 1988.
This story will be updated. Whatcom County business owners announcing closures can send details to dave.gallagher@bellinghamherald.com.
This story was originally published May 27, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
