Whatcom Roundup: Two new restaurants options as downtown bar closes
Here’s your weekly roundup of the latest retail and restaurant activity around Whatcom County:
New restaurant opens in Fairhaven
Next Chapter Cafe, a new restaurant created by husband and wife duo who also own their own local restaurants, has now opened inside Bellingham’s Village Books.
The new cafe was first announced back in April, when Jennifer Worthley, owner of It’s the Sweet Things, and Bryan John Matamorosa, owner of Bry’s Filipino Cuisine, signed the lease for the previous location of Evolve Chocolate + Cafe.
According to an Instagram post on It’s the Sweet Things profile, the new cafe has now opened and is serving a menu that is the perfect fusion of the two restaurants.
No operating hours have been announced, but the new cafe is located on the second floor of Village Books at 1200 11th St Suite 201.
Both It’s the Sweet Things and Bry’s Filipino Cuisine restaurants will remain open at their current locations.
Downtown Bellingham bar closing permanently
Ramble Tamble, a downtown 21+ bar known for their cocktails, live music and grilled cheese, is closing permanently.
The announcement was made on the bar’s Instagram profile, with plans to close at the end of June.
“There have been numerous obstacles that have prevented us from executing on our original vision for the space, and the reality is that we no longer have the energy to keep pursuing it,” the post states.
The bar will remain open with its normal schedule of live music through the end of the month. It’s open from 5 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday and 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday at 1313 N State St. in Bellingham.
New Blaine restaurant opens
Blaine has welcomed a new restaurant downtown, Ttowa Sushi. The new restaurant has a large menu which includes various sushi rolls, pho, gyoza, yakisoba, fried rice, bento boxes, nigiri and fried rolls.
Ttowa Sushi is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily at 658 Peace Portal Dr. in Blaine.
Hela Provisions nears downtown opening
Specialty grocery store Hela Provisions is moving to a new location in downtown Bellingham and plans to open soon.
The new location was announced back in May, as owner Anna Marie Adams sought to join the downtown community.
“We’re so excited to be on Cornwall Avenue with so many amazing local businesses that are truly complementary to us. Talk about a one-stop shop. From flowers, socks, artsy gifts, home ware, uniquely designed home decor, thoughtfully curated thrift, delicious treats. ... It’s all right there,” Adams told The Herald.
The new shop is now planned to open July 9 at 1305 Cornwall Ave. after its current location, 2000 Franklin St #102. closes permanently June 21 .
Hela Provisions’ current location is open from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and noon to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
The new downtown shop will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at 1305 Cornwall Ave.
Bellingham events, trivia nights and live music
Bellingham is full of local events, markets, festivals and other events during the month of June. Here’s your guide to this month’s events, trivia, live music and more. For an extensive list of local events, visit our new Events page at www.bellinghamherald.com/events/#.
Discover Whatcom
If you’re looking for some fun things to do in Whatcom County, new restaurants to visit, or stories on what makes our area unique, subscribe to our free weekly “Discover Whatcom” newsletter.
This story was originally published June 20, 2025 at 10:40 AM.
