Open & Closed, formerly Places & Things, is updated regularly with new business openings, closings and changes.
Tuesday, Nov. 28
Longstanding Greek restaurant closing end of December
Mykonos Restaurant and Lounge will permanently close after service on Dec. 31, according to its website.
The Greek restaurant located at 1650 W. Bakerview Road in Bellingham has been in operation for 25 years and said it was closing due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
The restaurant, which offered an authentic Greek menu, is owned by the Pantoleon family.
“We, as a family, want to express how much we have loved and appreciated our loyal customers over the years,” the Pantoleons said in their announcement.
Founder Dimitrios Pantoleon emigrated from Greece to the U.S. at the age of 19, working in restaurants his whole life, according to the restaurant’s blog.
“Mykonos is in many ways his magnum opus,” a 2017 blog post stated.
The restaurant said to “stay tuned for our future endeavors” in a Tuesday, Nov. 28 Facebook post.
Monday, Nov. 20
Help United Way of Whatcom County at Kulshan’s Maker’s Market
Here’s a way to do some holiday shopping and make donations to support United Way, which helps fund critical services in the community.
From 4–8 p.m. on Dec. 9, shoppers can buy from local vendors at Kulshan Brewing Company’s third annual Holiday Maker’s Market at the K2 taproom. Ten percent of vendor sales and $1 of every pint of beer sold will support the nonprofit.
At least 30 vendors are expected at the Roosevelt location, 1538 Kentucky St.
Wednesday, Nov. 8
National chain It’Sugar opening location in Bellis Fair mall
It’Sugar, a self-described candy emporium with more than 100 locations nationwide, will open a store in Bellis Fair mall Thursday, Nov. 16. It will be the first in the state of Washington, media contact Kip Hunter said in an email.
The chain offers giant candy, seasonal goodies, unique confections, and candy merchandise such as apparel, plush toys, scented candles and more.
Hours of operation will follow that of the mall: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. The store will be closed on Thanksgiving day and Christmas day, with extended hours Nov. 24-25, and Dec. 8-23 to account for holiday shopping.
Friday, Nov. 2
Grand opening of J’s Kitchen is on Saturday
J’s Kitchen, a Puerto Rican restaurant, will have its grand opening from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4.
The restaurant, at 1307 11th St. in Fairhaven, has been “soft open” for about a month and a half, staff said. Saturday’s grand opening celebration will include cocktails and feature mofongo — a plantain dish from Puerto Rico. The restaurant will be open for regular hours from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Owner Justin Valle has been cooking Puerto Rican food with his mother, Linda, for his whole life, according to J’s Kitchen’s website.
“J’s Kitchen is excited to bring delicious and authentic Puerto Rican dishes from our family’s kitchen to the Bellingham community,” staff said in an email.
The food menu includes appetizers, such as empanadas; salads; bowls that feature rice, a protein and plantains; sandwiches, such as the Cubano; a kids menu; sides; and tres leches cake for dessert. The drinks menu currently includes soft drinks, as well as beer and wine.
Read Open & Closed: October 2023.
