Bellingham restaurant finds one of its products is a hit with snowboarders, skiers
Here’s a roundup of recent retail activity in Whatcom County:
▪ While Carnal has found it a challenge to open a restaurant during a pandemic, it has found success in another business: Selling jerky.
The company recently began rolling out its meat snacks and demand has been off the charts, said co-owner Skip Williamson. It took them about nine months and about 100 iterations before it reached their standards, he said. Their business plan is similar to what local breweries do with beer: create different styles and flavors, as well as special edition options.
Williamson said one way the beef jerky is different from others is a proprietary technique using bone marrow to create a savory taste.
The jerky products are sold on its website as well as at the snowboard shop Boardworks on Railroad Avenue. It’s been popular with snowboarders, as more than 300 packages sold at that shop in a two-week stretch, Williamson said.
As for the restaurant at 1234 N. State St., it’s done well, all things considered, he said. They do plan on closing the restaurant through Monday, Jan. 4, to catch up on jerky product production. Once it returns, Carnal restaurant will have takeout, delivery and covered, heated outdoor seating. Options for indoor seating will return after the current pandemic restrictions are lifted.
“We love this town so much and can’t wait for the day where we can have full-capacity seating inside and out,” Williamson said in an email.
▪ Reference Media announced on its website that it is moving into a new space and will soon have a moving sale.
The audio/visual store, which is currently at 1200 Old Fairhaven Parkway, will be moving to 1611 N. State St., near the Kona Bicycle Shop and Bellingham Grocery Outlet. The company is planning a Jan. 4-15 moving sale.
▪ Ragfinery announced that it will be re-opening at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 8.
The nonprofit clothing and garment-textile business is at 1421 N. Forest St. and has been open/closed sporadically during the pandemic. Once it reopens, the business will have a limited capacity, with everyone required to wear masks. Donations will be accepted during store hours and by appointment.
▪ For those looking for ways to continue supporting restaurants, keep in mind that some are offering a variety of New Year’s Eve/Day packages to take home. One example is Jalapenos, which is offering a New Year’s Eve party pack for those who will celebrate at home. The package includes margarita mix, Brut sparkling wine and party hats.
Also keep in mind that the next two weeks is a popular time for local restaurants and stores to temporarily close, giving employees and owners a well-earned break. So call/check social media on hours before heading out.
▪ Bellingham’s Kombucha Town is making plans to expand and has organized an equity crowdfunding campaign.
According to its pitch on the StartEngine fundraising page, founder and CEO Chris McCoy is planning to roll out a new product, Live Seltzer, on a national scale. In a news release, Kombucha Town described Live Seltzer as the first-ever probiotic seltzer water on the market with no sugar, 1-2 calories per can and all-natural ingredients.
The company is in the Herald Building at 1155 N. State St. and has products in 1,600 stores in 24 states. Further details can be found at kombuchatown.com.
This story was originally published December 27, 2020 at 9:00 AM.
