Spirit Halloween stores pop up
If this is August, it must nearly be Halloween: Spirit Halloween has opened the first of its two Bellingham holiday popup locations at 110 W. Stuart Road in the Cordata neighborhood, next to BevMo. A second is expected to open in its traditional annual spot less than a mile-and-a-half south, at Bellis Fall mall next to Buffalo Wild Wings, as soon as the week of Aug. 20. Spirit Halloween also will have two locations in Burlington, both listed on the company website as opening in September, at 1220 S. Burlington Blvd. (former Pier 1) and 1570 S. Burlington Blvd. (former Kmart).
Chicago Joe’s closes
Chicago Joe’s in Lynden abruptly closed on Saturday, Aug. 10. The restaurant at 8082 Guide Meridian Road originally opened in June 2023, serving Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches. “We regretfully announce the immediate, permanent closure of our restaurant,” the eatery wrote in a Facebook post that, as of Aug. 15, was no longer accessible. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our remarkable community for your unwavering support during our 14 months of operation.”
Comics Place announces move
The Comics Place in Bellingham is moving. But not very far. The comic book, game and pop culture shop at 105 E. Holly St. has announced it will relocate to 107-109 W. Holly St., near Saltadena and Greenhouse. While no official move-in date has been set, owner Django Bohren said they plan to be in the larger space before Christmas. Between now and then, a YouTube video promises a moving sale for comic books because “we need you to take some home before we have to pick them up and move them.”
Skagit child care pilot business named
The organization behind a long-planned pilot of employer-supported child care in Skagit County has revealed both the employer and child care provider that will be involved in the project. Local agricultural business Bay Baby Produce will partner with Escuela el Jardin, a child care center opening in Mount Vernon later this year, to set aside at least 10 child care slots for Bay Baby’s workforce. Slots not being used by the company will be opened to others. The Opportunity Council’s Center for Retention & Expansion of Child Care is awarding $75,000 in pandemic relief funds for the pilot to Escuela el Jardin, which is expected to add 80 child care slots overall. It’s said to be the first employer-child care partnership of its kind in Skagit County.
Downtown Bellingham org adds board members, promotes staff
Downtown Bellingham Partnership has added three members to its board. The nonprofit said Aaron Haynes of CSD Attorneys at Law, Logan McQuaig of Redlight Kitchen + Bar and Dan Murphy of WECU are now part of the 10-member board of directors. At the same time, the downtown advocacy organization announced the promotion of current staffers David Sadowsky to finance and operations director and Jenny Hagemann to development and communications director. Lindsey Payne Johnstone was named executive director earlier this year.
Frank Catalano writes about business and related topics for CDN; reach him at frankcatalano@cascadiadaily.com.
