Big changes are ahead for this downtown Bellingham restaurant
Here’s a roundup of recent news from restaurants, retail businesses and services around Whatcom County:
▪ The downtown Bellingham restaurant Saltine is under new ownership.
Craig Serbousek and Valerie Markus announced on social media that they have sold the eatery to Emile Diffley, who operates the nearby ANMLY Cafe as well as Fairhaven Pizza.
Saltine, which is at 114 Prospect St., is temporarily closed during this transition period. Diffley said in an email that the plan is to change the name and menu as well as make some interior tweaks. He noted that what the previous owners created was very special, and that trying to recreate that wouldn’t be fair to Saltine customers.
The new concept will be more in line with the ANMLY vibe and style, with a creative and elevated, but casual, dining experience. The restaurant will offer lunch dinner and drinks. ANMLY at 119 N. Commercial St. will remain in place as a morning/mid-day cafe.
Given all that’s happening with the pandemic, Diffley is not sure on an opening date, but will have further announcements once the space is closer to being ready.
▪ A new juice store recently had its grand opening in downtown Bellingham.
Refresh Juice Co. had its grand opening on Friday, Aug. 27, after going through a soft-opening period earlier this summer. The business is at 1422 Cornwall Ave., near Pure Bliss Desserts.
Along with fresh-pressed juices, the company offers smoothies, wellness shots and superfood lattes. Owner Kristen Mauss said in an email that she tries to source as many organic ingredients as possible and offers a vegan menu. Some unique ingredients include spirulina, ashwaganda and camu camu.
Mauss said opening the business just as restrictions were being lifted did have some challenges, but they were manageable. Mauss said she’s also appreciative of the nearby businesses that have supported her business during the pandemic. One consistent problem has been supply chain issues; even a few weeks ago it was difficult to find compostable cups.
The business is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Further details, including online ordering, can be found on its website.
▪ A major Bellingham insurance company has joined forces with another insurance company.
PCF Insurance Services recently acquired Rice Insurance at 1400 Broadway. Rice Insurance will keep its name and maintain its 116 employees. Rice Insurance Partner James Fritts will remain at the Bellingham office and become an owner/partner at PCF, according to a news release.
“Our goals have always been focused on our clients and on the ability to grow our business, however, we recognized that in order to achieve the growth that we were looking for we needed to secure a partnership that would allow us to do so,” said Fritts in the news release. “We know that together with PCF we are stronger, and I am so excited about the limitless growth opportunities that PCF is offering.”
PFC, headquartered in Salt Lake City with more than 50 locations across the country, is backed by private equity firm HGGC.
Established in 1946, Rice Insurance is an insurance brokerage offering professional services and specialized insurance throughout the United States. Details about the company can be found on its website.
▪ The pizza restaurant Sliced opened at the former Boston’s building near Bellis Fair mall earlier this month. According to its Facebook page, it is also hiring for several new positions.
▪ Dinosaurs have also made their way to Bellis Fair. Jurassic Empire arrived on Thursday, Aug. 26, and will be in the parking lot area through Monday, Sept. 6. It’s a drive-through event that features more than 60 moving dinosaurs.
According to the website, it takes between 20 minutes and an hour to do the tour. Tickets and other items such as t-shirts can be purchased online.
▪ With berry season basically wrapped up in Whatcom County, it’s time for the apple harvest.
Customers at Bellewood Farms & Distillery will get a chance to pick apples from 22 varieties starting Wednesday, Sept. 1, and going through Wednesday, Oct. 20. The 62-acre farm at 6140 Guide Meridian will have u-pick hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
Schools, co-ops and homeschool families are welcome to bring children, said Eric Abel, president of the company.
Cider doughnuts and kettle corn will be available during weekends through Oct. 31 and a field full of pumpkins for sale will open Oct. 1. COVID-19 recommendations will be followed, according to a news release from the company. Bellewood Farms also includes a pear orchard, a market and gift shop, café, bakery and distillery. For more information, visit Bellewood’s website.
This story was originally published August 29, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
