Downtown retailer moves to Fairhaven; Kulshan offers new beer delivery system
Here is a roundup of recent retail activity in Whatcom County:
▪ Belle Bridal recently moved from downtown Bellingham to Fairhaven.
The new spot is at 1114 Harris Ave., in Finnegan’s Alley. Owner Anna Lorenz said they loved the atmosphere in Fairhaven, which was a factor in the move.
It’s also a bigger space, which will allow the business to not only ramp up its selection of dress and tuxedos, but create a better social-distancing environment during this pandemic. The bigger space also allows the business to add products, like a selection of bridal gifts, as well as maintain its event planning business.
Navigating through the wedding season was a challenge, but Lorenz said business is starting to normalize. Many customers continued to move forward with buying dresses and tuxes, but opted for changes in venues like backyard weddings.
Lorenz took over ownership of the business in 2016. It had been in the downtown core since 1965.
Details about the store can be found at bellebridalbellingham.com.
▪ Lizzie’s Cafe in Blaine recently announced on Facebook that it has closed the business. The cafe, which focused on burgers and sandwiches, was at 1700 Peace Portal Drive.
▪ A couple of building permit applications were recently submitted in Bellingham for more apartments. One is for a 16-unit building at 1513 E. St., near Maritime Heritage Park, while another is an 11-unit structure at 1705 Gladstone St., near the Bellingham Skate Park.
▪ Flatstick Pub, a bar that features indoor miniature golf, is getting close to finishing its renovations at 902 N. State St. The company is currently going through the state liquor permit process. On its Facebook page, it noted that it is aiming toward opening this month.
▪ A building permit application was submitted for a new Edward Jones branch office at 1211 Mill Ave., in Fairhaven’s Orca Building.
▪ Bellair Airporter Shuttle services has restarted its connections to Anacortes and the San Juan Islands Ferry.
The service will be limited to two round-trip options a day, but more trips will be added as demand increases, according to a company news release. Last month the company started five daily trips between Bellingham and Sea-Tac Airport. For passengers, face coverings are required during the trip, according to the company’s website.
▪ Kulshan Brewing Co. is taking the blueprint for the Community Supported Agriculture program and applying it to local beer.
The company recently announced on its website that it was starting a Community Supported Beer program. On the last Monday of July, August and September members will receive a case of its beer (18 cans, 6 bottles) at their doorstep. The CSB box will contain a new variety of seasonal options and special release beers. It will also have a pamphlet from the brewer with information about the beers as well as some Kulshan merchandise, according to the website.
The cost for the three cases is $180, or $2.50 for each can/bottle.
The deliveries are limited to Whatcom County residents. Online signups for membership are being taken until 5 p.m. on Friday, July 24.
▪ San Juan Cruises has begun ramping up its offerings during this phase 2 period. That includes its Friday Harbor day cruises and Sucia Island Picnic events, which were scheduled to start the July 11-12 weekend.
According to its Facebook page, the cruises will be at below 50% capacity to ensure social distancing. Details about the trips as well as whale-watching opportunities can be found on its website.
▪ While it continues to produce hand sanitizer, Chuckanut Bay Distillery is easing back into producing its traditional products. That includes its potato vodka, which the company announced was back in stock. The vodka is made from Skagit County Yukon gold potatoes.
Co-owner Kelly Andrews said demand for hand sanitizer remains strong, so they will continue producing it for at least the next several months. Local businesses and individuals can either order it online or drop by the distillery at 1311 Cornwall Ave. to pick it up Monday through Saturday.
▪ Mambo Italiano announced on Facebook that it will be offering dine-in service in addition to its outdoor and takeout services. With its small indoor space, the Fairhaven restaurant took more time to figure out the best way to offer dine-in done in a way that is safe and comfortable for customers. Mambo is at 1303 12th St., in the Sycamore Square building.
This story was originally published July 11, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
