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Whatcom Roundup: Two new restaurants open; coffee shop coming; local events

A sign for Doug’s Burgers stands outside the restaurant’s brick-and-mortar business on July 18, 2025, in Bellingham, Wash.
A sign for Doug’s Burgers stands outside the restaurant’s brick-and-mortar business on July 18, 2025, in Bellingham, Wash. The Bellingham Herald

Here’s our weekly roundup of the latest retail and restaurant activity around Whatcom County:

Frankie’s Deli opens

A new restaurant opened Thursday, Dec. 4, created by the owner of Doug’s Burgers in downtown Bellingham, according to a social media post from the restaurant.

The new eatery, Frankie’s Deli, is located right next to Doug’s Burgers, at 2527 Meridian St.

Doug’s Burgers brick-and-mortar restaurant is open for business on July 18, 2025, in Bellingham, Wash.
Doug’s Burgers brick-and-mortar restaurant is open for business on July 18, 2025, in Bellingham, Wash. Rachel Showalter The Bellingham Herald

No official operating hours have been announced for the deli, but Doug’s Burgers is open from noon to 9 p.m. daily.

New Lynden restaurant opening

Lynden-based Indian restaurant Ginger Fusion and Bar is opening Friday, Dec. 5, according to a social media post from the restaurant.

“Lynden, mark your calendars! Ginger Fusion & Bar is officially opening this Friday, December 5th,” the post states.

The new eatery will serve beer on tap and cocktails, South Indian dosas, North Indian curries and other fusion dishes.

Ginger Fusion and Bar is at 8874 Bender Rd, Suite 101 in Lynden, and no operating hours have been announced.

New coffee shop nears opening

Liminal Coffee, a coffee shop connected to the Lighthouse Mission building and organization, is planning to open in the new year.

The finishing touches are being completed at the Lighthouse Mission’s newly built homeless shelter and services center at 1312 F Street on September 27, 2024, in Bellingham, Wash.
The finishing touches are being completed at the Lighthouse Mission’s newly built homeless shelter and services center at 1312 F Street on September 27, 2024, in Bellingham, Wash. Rachel Showalter The Bellingham Herald

The coffee shop is set to open on Saturday, Feb. 14, according to its website.

“Liminal Coffee is thrilled to open its doors in the heart of Bellingham, eager to serve the community with not only delicious, expertly crafted coffee but also warm, memorable hospitality rooted in faith and healing. Our menu features unique signature beverages designed to delight every palate, creating a perfect space to gather, connect, and find comfort. We look forward to becoming a welcoming hub where exceptional coffee meets meaningful community support,” the website states.

The coffee shop is part of Lighthouse Mission’s organization, that provides shelter, food and programs for people in homelessness.

“Through our barista training program, we walk alongside individuals who have completed Lighthouse Mission Ministries’ recovery program, offering job training, mentorship, and practical skills that prepare them for independence and meaningful work. Rooted in hospitality and guided by faith, we are committed to serving our community while furthering Lighthouse’s commitment to healing homelessness through Christ’s love,” the coffee shop’s website states.

The coffee shop will be open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Sunday at 1312 F St. in Bellingham.

Allied Arts pop-up in former Rite Aid

Allied Arts Festival of the Arts at 1225 E Sunset Drive, Suite 110 in Bellingham, Wash. on Dec. 2, 2025.
Allied Arts Festival of the Arts at 1225 E Sunset Drive, Suite 110 in Bellingham, Wash. on Dec. 2, 2025. Alyse Smith The Bellingham Herald

Allied Arts Holiday Festival of the Arts, a pop-up vendor market, is now open in the previous location of Rite Aid in Sunset Square.

Allied Arts Festival of the Arts at 1225 E Sunset Drive, Suite 110 in Bellingham, Wash. on Dec. 2, 2025.
Allied Arts Festival of the Arts at 1225 E Sunset Drive, Suite 110 in Bellingham, Wash. on Dec. 2, 2025. Alyse Smith The Bellingham Herald

The festival features local artists and vendors and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays, free kids activities and live music will also be featured.

Allied Arts Festival of the Arts at 1225 E Sunset Drive, Suite 110 in Bellingham, Wash. on Dec. 2, 2025.
Allied Arts Festival of the Arts at 1225 E Sunset Drive, Suite 110 in Bellingham, Wash. on Dec. 2, 2025. Alyse Smith The Bellingham Herald

The festival is located at 1225 E Sunset Drive, Suite 110 in Bellingham.

Pacific Arts Market opens at Bellis Fair

Pacific Arts Market, an annual vendor market, is opening on Dec. 5 inside Bellis Fair mall.

The market features local artists, crafters and vendors and will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday in December, inside the previous location of Forever 21 in the Bellis Fair mall.

The Bellis Fair Mall on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023 at 1 Bellis Fair Pkwy, Bellingham, Wash.
The Bellis Fair Mall on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023 at 1 Bellis Fair Pkwy, Bellingham, Wash. Alyse Smith The Bellingham Herald

Bellis Fair mall is at 1 Bellis Fair Parkway in Bellingham.

Bellingham events, trivia nights and live music

Bellingham is full of local events, markets, festivals and other events during the month of December. 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/#.

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Alyse Smith
The Bellingham Herald
Alyse Smith is a reporter at The Bellingham Herald covering retail, restaurants, jobs and business. If you like stories like this, please consider supporting our work with a subscription to our newspaper.
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