This longtime Whatcom store is for sale as two restaurants open in Bellingham
Here is a roundup of recent retail activity in Whatcom County:
▪ A longtime Lynden business is up for sale as its owners ready for retirement.
Dave’s Sports Shop in the Fairway Center is for sale, Dave and Claudia VanderHoek announced last week. The outdoor recreation store has been in operation by the VanderHoek family for 63 years, according to a news release.
The VanderHoeks are looking for buyers who appreciate the Lynden community and outdoor recreation as much as they do.
“This has been a wonderful lifestyle business — one that has allowed us to connect deeply with a supportive community and staff members over the years, and to work together as a family,” Dave VanderHoek said. “Being in this industry has allowed me and our family a chance to enjoy countless fishing and hunting trips and other memorable outings.”
The store was originally called Jude’s Sporting Goods and was founded by Dave VanderHoek’s parents, Jude and Gert. Dave and Claudia have run the business for 13 years, and want to spend more time with their grandchildren.
In the time they’ve run the store, Dave and Claudia’s five adult children have found occupations of their own, so the family is comfortable with the store not going to the next generation.
Business during the COVID-19 pandemic has been strong since reopening, Dave VanderHoek said. The fishing and hunting departments in particular have seen strong sales as people turned to more outdoor activities during the pandemic.
Dave and Claudia will speak directly with anyone who would like to explore ownership of Dave’s Sports Shop, although they are asking that those conversations not take place in the store.
Interested parties can email Claudia at claudia@davessports.com to arrange an appointment.
▪ All That Jazz Boutique Gallery recently opened in downtown Bellingham.
It’s at 1015 Railroad Ave., Suite 105, near the Depot Market Square. The boutique offers artwork as well as food and drink, including wine by the glass, bottled ale, Villa Dulce Gelato, cheese plates and sandwiches.
Current hours are noon to 7 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. Details about the business can be found on its Facebook page or website.
▪ Dick’s Drive-In Food Truck update: Construction of Dick’s new food truck is expected to be completed and ready to serve customers by mid-November, said Chelsea Young, executive assistant for the Seattle-based restaurant.
An official date for the truck’s visit to Bellingham hasn’t been finalized yet, but this area was one of the five selected to be the first to see it after customers weighed in on an online poll.
As for where the truck will stop in Bellingham, the company is asking customers to send site suggestions to foodtruck@ddir.com.
“We hope to bring the truck to Bellingham more than just once so as many potential sites we can get, the better,” Young said in an email.
▪ The Salvation Army announced on Facebook that it is closing its retail store in the Birchwood neighborhood. The organization didn’t say when the store’s final day would be, but all merchandise is discounted 50%. The store, at 1515 Birchwood Ave., is currently open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
▪ The Regal Barkley movie theater may still be closed, but the Subway sandwich shop next to the theater entrance has reopened. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the weekend.
▪ Latitude Kitchen & Bar announced on Facebook announced that it will soon be offering family-style takeout meals that can be baked at home. The restaurant, which is near Sunset Square and Interstate 5, is also open for dine-in and has a takeout menu.
This story was originally published October 18, 2020 at 7:00 AM.
