While waiting for COVID phase change, Whatcom restaurants try state’s open-air concept
Here’s a roundup of recent retail activity around Whatcom County:
▪ As Whatcom County awaits word on when it can move into Phase 2 of the state’s Healthy Washington program, more restaurants are making adjustments to meet the guidelines for open-air, limited capacity indoor dining.
After an initial group got started earlier this month, eating establishments that recently began the service include Birch Door Cafe, Cocoanut Grove, Tony’s Tavern in Custer, Infusion Cuisine, Herb Niemann’s Steak House in Everson, Bob’s Burgers & Brew in Lynden and CJ’s Beachhouse in Birch Bay.
The Birch Door Cafe started its service on Friday, Jan. 29, opening up windows to meet the open-air ventilation requirements. It will be open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day. Co-owner Taria Nagler said in an email that they are excited to adapt in this way to have customers back inside, even if it is at 25% capacity.
▪ Outdoor dining options continue to expand in Bellingham. Tony’s Coffeehouse and its sister business Harris Avenue Cafe have built a tent area for outdoor seating in Fairhaven. It’s heated, sectioned off and open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day, according to a Facebook post.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive list of who is offering outdoor dining in central Bellingham, the Bellingham Downtown Partnership continues to website list.
▪ Red Boots Design announced on Facebook that it has decided to close after a 15-year run.
The custom screen-printing company was known for its local designs on shirts, including for several local businesses such as Kulshan Brewing, according to its website.
“The pandemic has changed so much for so many of us and Red Boots was no exception. So many of my customers are having a hard time and the budget for hand screen printed merchandise is not there right now,” founder Erin Boyd said in the Facebook post.
▪ The founders of LaserPoint Awards & Promotions in Bellingham are planning to retire and have put the business up for sale.
Randy and Kathy Cross, who started the business in 1997, announced in a news release that they have listed it for sale.
“We’d like to do some traveling and relax,” Kathy Cross said in a news release. “But we’re not in a hurry. It’s a fun business and we have loved every bit of it. We’ll keep going until we find the right people to take good care of our customers.”
The company started off by making laser-engraved awards. Over the years they’ve added screen printing and embroidery services.
“We’re looking for a self-starter who can take the initiative,” Kathy Cross said. “Someone who is a hard worker, cares and is good with people.”
For more information, call LaserPoint Awards & Promotions at 360-398-8714 or visit its website.
▪ The long line for the Dick’s Drive-In food truck in Bellingham on Saturday, Jan. 23, surprised the company.
“We did anticipate a huge turnout but I would say that the turnout and support shown from the Bellingham community exceeded our expectations,” said Chelsea Young, an executive assistant for the company.
The event, which drew hundreds of people to Waypoint Park, was a sellout early on. For its next trip to the Lummi Bay Market 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 5, Young said they will try to get as much product as they can into the truck, but at this time they don’t have a safe way to restock.
“We aren’t sure if the lines will be as long as our first trip but we do hope to serve returning fans as well as those customers who didn’t have time or the availability to visit us during our first visit,” Young said in an email.
The Lummi Bay Market is at 4839 Rural Ave., near Interstate 5 at the Slater Road exit.
▪ Earl’s Bike Shop announced on Facebook that it is taking its annual winter break. The shop will be closed starting Monday, Feb. 1, reopening on Tuesday, Feb. 16.
▪ The consignment store ReStyle is making plans to move into a new space. According to its social media pages it is planning to move to 4120 Meridian St., Suite 160, near the Car Wash King. The store is currently at 193 Telegraph Road, near Mi Mexico.
