Local

12 major changes in Bellingham’s retail and restaurant scene for 2025

Stories by Bellingham Herald journalists, with AI summarization

Bellingham’s retail and restaurant landscape is undergoing significant transformation, driven by a wave of longtime business closures and the emergence of new ventures. Iconic establishments like Pepper Sisters and Bayou on Bay are closing after decades of service, signaling the financial and personal challenges of operating in a post-pandemic economy.

At the same time, new businesses such as Little Dreamer Ice Cream and Love from London reveal a shift toward niche concepts and localized offerings. The entry of national chains like Wendy's and the expansion of existing players such as Stemma Brewing signal continued investment despite headwinds. This dual narrative of closures and openings reflects a community in transition, balancing legacy with innovation amid economic and social shifts.

Closed sign stock photo

NO. 1: ‘WE ARE DEVASTATED’: DOWNTOWN BELLINGHAM RESTAURANT CLOSED PERMANENTLY; NEW SHOP MOVES IN

The restaurant closed after 36 years of business. | Published December 31, 2024 | Read Full Story by Alyse Smith

Twin Sisters Brewing Company’s Lullaby Imperial Stout and rotating hard cider at the brewery’s outdoor beer garden in Bellingham, Wash. on Aug. 4, 2023.

NO. 2: BELLINGHAM BREWERY AND BEER GARDEN ANNOUNCES SUDDEN CLOSURE; ANOTHER TAKES OVER LOCATION

Twin Sister Brewing Company has been in business for six years. | Published December 31, 2024 | Read Full Story by Alyse Smith

Fairhaven Village Tacos is open for business on Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, in Bellingham, Wash.

NO. 3: WHATCOM ROUNDUP: NEW RESTAURANT PROPOSED AT FAIRHAVEN’S BUS; BREWERY ANNOUNCES CLOSURE

Your weekly guide to Whatcom County’s latest retail, restaurant and event news. | Published January 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alyse Smith

NO. 4: DOWNTOWN BELLINGHAM RESTAURANT ANNOUNCES CLOSURE AFTER NEARLY 18 YEARS IN BUSINESS

The restaurant will close permanently in March. | Published January 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alyse Smith

Living Pantry, a eco-friendly and natural goods store opening soon next to Trader Joe’s at 2410 James St, Bellingham, Washington. By Alyse Smith

NO. 5: WHATCOM ROUNDUP: BELLINGHAM RESTAURANT CLOSES; NEW EATERIES PLANNED; TRADER JOE’S UPDATE

Your weekly guide to Whatcom County’s latest retail, restaurant and event news. | Published January 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alyse Smith

Narrative Coffee announced in a social media post that it would permanently close its location at 1400 W. Holly St. on February 22, 2025, after three years of operation in Bellingham, Wash. By Rachel Showalter

NO. 6: DOWNTOWN BELLINGHAM COFFEE SHOP AND CAFE PERMANENTLY CLOSING ON ITS THIRD ANNIVERSARY

The coffee shop will close Feb. 22. | Published February 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alyse Smith

A rainbow arcs above the Herald Building at the corner of North State and East Chestnut streets in Bellingham, Wash., on Oct 19, 2023. Built in 1926, the six-story Gothic Revival building uses white terra cotta tiles and stained glass windows depicting a herald playing a trumpet. The building was the first in downtown Bellingham to use a concrete-and-steel form and steam for heating. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places. By Robert Mittendorf

NO. 7: WHATCOM ROUNDUP: CAFE CLOSING; HERALD BUILDING UPDATE; BEER GARDEN GOES ON HIATUS

Your weekly guide to Whatcom County’s latest retail, restaurant and event news. | Published February 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alyse Smith

JOANN Fabric and Crafts is currently located at 715 N. Columbia Center Blvd. in Kennewick. By Bob Brawdy

NO. 8: JOANN TO CLOSE 21 OF 30 WA LOCATIONS. IS YOUR LOCAL STORE CLOSING OR STAYING OPEN?

Check to see if your local Joann is on the list of over 500 nationwide store closures. Here is the full list for Washington state. | Published February 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by McClatchy Staff

This illustration shows proposed plans for the new Chick-fil-A restaurant coming to 4030 Cordata Parkway in Bellingham, Wash. By City of Bellingham

NO. 9: WHATCOM ROUNDUP: NEW DOWNTOWN EATERY; CHICK-FIL-A UPDATE; CHAIN RESTAURANT ON LUMMI LAND

Your weekly guide to Whatcom County’s latest retail, restaurant and event news. | Published February 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alyse Smith

A sign reading “No Cash Kept on Premise” put up in front of Fairhaven Poke in an attempt to turn away potential burglars during a spike of Fairhaven break-ins By Jack Belcher

NO. 10: BUSINESSES IN BELLINGHAM’S FAIRHAVEN NEIGHBORHOOD KEEP TAKING HITS AMID WAVE OF BURGLARIES

There have been at least 10 burglaries or attempts at Fairhaven businesses since mid-December. | Published February 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jack Belcher

Downtown rooftops are dusted in snow on the morning of February 3, 2025, in Bellingham, Wash. By Rachel Showalter

NO. 11: WHATCOM ROUNDUP: BELLINGHAM RESTAURANT CLOSING; NEW MUSEUM; LOCAL EVENTS; AND LIVE MUSIC

Your weekly guide to Whatcom County’s latest retail, restaurant and event news. | Published February 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alyse Smith

Joann fabrics and craft store at 1125 E Sunset Dr. Ste 125. in Bellingham, Wash on Feb. 13, 2025. By Alyse Smith

NO. 12: WASHINGTON’S JOANN STORES PREVIOUSLY SPARED FROM CLOSURE NOW SHUTTERING AS SALE ANNOUNCED

The Olympia and Bellingham stores were initially among those to remain open. | Published February 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alyse Smith

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.