Two bars and coffee/breakfast spot are planning to open in Bellingham
Here’s a roundup of recent retail activity around Whatcom County:
▪ After four months of remodeling, Bar 542 is reopening Thursday, Oct. 21, at 215 W. Holly, next to Black Sheep. Seth Snapp, manager of the bar, made the announcement in the Bellingham Open group page on Facebook.
According to the post, the bar will be going for a neighborhood “Cheers” vibe, using local ingredients when available and comfort bar food made from scratch.
The bar originally opened right before the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in March 2020, but struggled to survive through the variety of pandemic restrictions that followed.
▪ Another bar seems to be making its way to downtown Bellingham. A sign permit application was submitted to the city at 132 E. Holly St., in the former Starbucks space at the Railroad Avenue intersection. The proposed tenant for the space is Matthews Honest Cocktails.
▪ Welcome Road Winery is planning to have an official grand opening 4-8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 22, at 300 W. Champion St. near the downtown Mount Bakery.
Co-owner Leigh McMillan said in an email that they will have a heated patio area, while indoor seating is available for those who show proof of vaccination.
Once officially open, the winery’s hours will be 5-8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 4-8 p.m. Friday, 2-8 p.m. on Saturday and 2-6 p.m. on Sunday. Along with wine, there will be cheese plates and other light food options available.
McMillan and co-owner Kristen Dorrity have operated a tasting room in West Seattle for 10 years. McMillan said they are excited to officially join the Bellingham community. The winery is named for a road in Glacier. Details can be found on the company’s website.
▪ A state liquor license application was submitted to reopen the Blue Mountain Grill at 974 Valley Highway, near Acme. The applicants are Dana and Siraphatson Pratt.
According to Blue Mountain’s Facebook page, the restaurant shut down during the pandemic and didn’t reopen.
▪ Narrative Coffee announced on its Facebook page that it is opening a coffee shop in the former Primer Coffee space next to Elizabeth Station on 1400 W. Holly St.
The coffee company, which has a coffee bar in Everett, will be aiming for a November opening, according to the post. The plan is to offer a full breakfast menu to go along with the coffee.
This story was originally published October 17, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
