Whatcom Roundup: Chain diner coming; new barber shop and spa; gift shop reopens
Here’s a weekly roundup of the latest retail and restaurant activity around Whatcom County:
Black Bear Diner opening in Lummi Nation
A chain restaurant is planning a new location off of Interstate 5 in Lummi Nation’s Salish Village, according to a June 19 Facebook post from Lummi Communications.
Black Bear Diner serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the new location is expected to create more than 100 new jobs.
“The new restaurant will be owned and operated by the Lummi Commercial Company under a franchise agreement with Black Bear Diner. Construction is anticipated to begin in late summer 2026, with the restaurant expected to open during the first quarter of 2027,” the Facebook post states.
“The core values of the Lummi people are deeply rooted in hospitality and service. This aligns well with Black Bear Diner brand, and we are very excited to partner on this franchise to bring a great dining experience to our recreation for all community members and guests to enjoy,” Anthony Hillarie, chairmen of the Lummi Indian Business Council, wrote in the Facebook post.
No official opening date has been set. Salish Village is located off I-5 exit 260, at 4839 Rural Ave. in Ferndale.
New barbershop and spa in downtown Bellingham
Head To Toe Barber And Spa Lounge has opened in downtown Bellingham, nextdoor to Make.Shift Art Space.
The new barbershop and spa provides a variety of services such as hair cuts for all ages, beard trims and shaving, waxing, facials and more.
Appointments are available online in advance or by calling 360-572-9640.
Head To Toe Barber and Spa Lounge is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday through Friday, and from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays at 310 Flora St. in Bellingham.
Paper Dreams shop reopens
After months of renovations, Village Book’s connected gift shop, Paper Dreams, officially reopened June 20.
The reopening was announced via Facebook.
Village Books and Paper Dreams is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at 1200 11th St. in Bellingham’s historic Fairhaven neighborhood.
Appliance store replacing Rite Aid
A new appliance store is coming to Bellingham, in the previous location of Rite Aid pharmacy that closed in 2025. Appliance Outlet, an overstock, open-box and floor-model appliance store, will open at 3227 Northwest Ave. in Bellingham, according to the store’s website.
“Appliance Outlet LLC, based in Bellingham, WA, has been serving customers since 2026 by offering brand-name home appliances at discounted prices, including refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, and more, with new inventory arriving weekly,” the store’s website states.
No official opening date has been announced, but the store’s operating hours will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
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/#.
Last week’s roundup
Last week’s Whatcom Roundup highlighted a downtown gift shop possibly expanding its space, Boundary on State opening, local events and more.
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.
