Fire damages a downtown restaurant, music coming to Fairhaven, more beer for Fountain District
Here’s an update on recent retail and restaurant activity around Whatcom County:
▪ Brandywine Kitchen is currently closed as the company assesses how much damage was done to its restaurant by a fire that took place on Thursday, May 20.
The 12-year business at 1317 Commercial St. suffered interior and exterior damage after a fire broke out in the back alley, according to a company post on Facebook.
“We are very thankful no employees were present at the time. We are also thankful for Bellingham Emergency Services for acting so fast to put the fire out and continue to work on determining the cause,” according to the Facebook post.
While the owners are still determining how much work is ahead, it may be a few weeks before the restaurant can reopen for indoor dining. If possible it will attempt to bring back carry-out service in the next week or two.
Co-owner Azizi Tookas said in an email on Friday, May 21, that they are working with their insurance company to form a rebuilding plan. One of their current challenges is trying to find a bonded contractor for the work, as this is one of the busiest times of the year for construction companies.
▪ Skylark’s Hidden Cafe in Fairhaven announced that it is bringing back live music by launching a beer and wine garden on Friday, May 28.
The outdoor garden will be open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and an hour later on Fridays and Saturdays through September, according to a news release. The first live music performance will be from The Three Radicals 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, May 29. The garden is in a lawn area that’s near Skylark’s back patio area.
“We know Bellingham residents can’t wait for the return of live music and our local groups need venues to play,” said Brad Haggen, owner of Skylark’s Hidden Café. “The outdoor garden below our patio and behind the restaurant will be a great place for summer relaxation and entertainment.”
Details about the restaurant can be found on Skylark’s website.
▪ As Zeek’s Pizza prepares for its Saturday, May 29, opening at 2416 Meridian St. in the Fountain District, the company released a few more details about what it has in store for the community.
The opening beer tap list will have 17 beers, eight of which are from Bellingham brewers. Zeek’s is also releasing a collaboration beer called Stellar’s Jay. Zeek’s is producing the beer with Black Raven Brewery in Redmond.
Zeek’s delivery area will be most of Bellingham and will make its tap beer available through growlers and crowlers (32-ounce cans). Per Washington state law, food must be purchased to have alcohol delivered.
While the seating capacity is 194, the restaurant will follow the 50% capacity guidelines until the state changes its COVID-19 restrictions. The restaurant will also have outdoor seating.
▪ Carvana, an online business that buys and sells used cars, announced in a news release that it has expanded to the Bellingham area. Local residents can shop for more than 30,000 used cars and get delivery within a few days.
According to the news release, customers have a seven-day return policy. There’s also an option for local residents to sell their current vehicles.
Details can be found on the Carvana website.
▪ A building permit application was submitted to the city to remodel a space for a weight-loss clinic called Ideal Wellness. The business is going into 1301 W. Bakerview Road, in the Bakerview Fred Meyer shopping center.
