A new restaurant near Bellis Fair, plus what’s going in near Costco
Three more downtown Bellingham eateries are making changes in response to being in Phase 3 of the state Healthy Washington plan.
The Black Drop Coffeehouse announced on social media that it is reopening for takeout-only service starting Monday, April 12. The coffee shop, which moved to 206 W. Magnolia St. before shutting down in response to the winter’s COVID-19 virus surge, noted that it plans to begin indoor service once all of its employees are vaccinated. The Black Drop has added some new items to its menu, including biscuits and gravy as well as mini quiches.
Old Town Cafe is also reopening on Monday for indoor, outdoor and to-go dining. The cafe at 316 W. Holly St. has a new, covered parklet and some sidewalk tables. Inside, the cafe will have an improved ventilation system and the doors will be open for better air flow. Owner Diane Brainard said the staff are in various stages of immunization and hope to be fully vaccinated soon.
Saltine announced on its website that it will begin offering indoor dining, but will take some time to first add safety measures in the restaurant. So the final takeout run was on Friday, April 9, and the restaurant will reopen for indoor dining in mid-May. After it reopens, Saltine will continue to offer takeout options. As the weather gets warmer, Saltine also plans to expand its outdoor seating area.
Here are more tidbits of recent retail and restaurant activity around Whatcom County:
▪ A state liquor license application was submitted to put in a new restaurant at the former Boston’s restaurant building near Bellis Fair. The proposed name is Sliced and the applicants are Dilpreet and Sharon Brar.
▪ A liquor license application was also submitted to put in a La Gloria store at 444 Cherry St. in Sumas. The applicants are Isaac and Petra Apreza.
▪ The New Mexico Tamale Company announced on social media that its last day in Ferndale is Saturday, April 17, as it continues the process of moving into its new Bellingham space at 4151 Meridian St., near the Burlington clothing store. The restaurant is planning to be in its Bellingham space by Sunday, May 23.
▪ A building permit application was submitted to the city to build a new car wash facility at 4115 Arctic Ave., near the Bakerview Costco.
▪ A building permit was also submitted to the city to put in an appliance warehouse at 425 Sequoia Drive in the Cordata neighborhood for DeWaard and Bode.
▪ The Barkley Market is back this summer, offering live music, food trucks and other local vendors.
According to its website, the market will run 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Thursday from July 1 through Aug. 26. It’ll be held at the Barkley Village Green, near the Barkley office buildings and the Barkley On Rice restaurant.
This story was originally published April 10, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
