Sweet Haven, Bloomhaven open
Two food-related havens in Bellingham’s Fairhaven neighborhood have opened their doors. Sweet Haven had its soft opening in late August at 1005 Harris Ave., the former location of Sweet Bellingham. But the owners are new and its interior and dessert offerings refreshed. “We are now serving organic, fair trade espresso, organic teas and delicious pastries,” said co-owner Sabrina Tissot in an email. “All the favorites from previous business plus new additions.”
A block away at 1201 11th St., suite 101, Bloomhaven Bottle Shop opened on Friday, Sept. 13. The twist? It’s all non-alcoholic beverages. Owner Molly Flynn said it’s unique in Bellingham.
“There are stores that carry a small selection of non-alcoholic products, but we are really excited and proud to be the very first totally dedicated non-alcoholic bottle shop in Bellingham,” she said. The shop, located in the old Gold Fern Wine Bar spot, is open afternoons Wednesday through Sunday.
Fairhaven Runners changes owners
Fairhaven Runners & Walkers has put on a pair of new owners. In the specialty shoe store’s email newsletter, founders Steve and Genevie Roguski announced that longtime staff members Sierra Brisky and Dillon Quintana have purchased the 25-year-old business at 1209 11th St. in Bellingham. “Sierra and Dillon, with their youthful energy, their love for the store and for this community, will take this dream store out strong from here, for a very long next leg of the race,” Steve wrote.
Trader Joe’s makes progress
A new Trader Joe’s in Bellingham is one application closer to reality. The grocery chain applied for a state liquor license at 4255 Meridian St. with a notification date of Sept. 6. The notice follows a demolition permit issued in June for the former Bed Bath & Beyond space in the Cordata neighborhood. Both the permit and application identify it as Trader Joe’s store number 274, but TJ’s hasn’t made any formal announcements about its plans.
Cobblestone Hotel to open in Lynden
National hospitality chain Cobblestone Hotels appears close to opening its first property in Washington state, at 8155 Guide Meridian in Lynden. The 68-room, four-story Cobblestone Hotel & Suites — announced in October 2021 — is listed as “coming soon” on the company’s website, had its state liquor license approved on Sept. 5 and is taking reservations for stays starting Dec. 1. The hotel will also house a Wissota Chophouse restaurant. The Wisconsin-based hotel company confirmed that reservations are being taken for December and later but they “do not have a set opening date at this time.”
Grocery Outlet nominated for state award
Bellingham’s Grocery Outlet has been nominated for the Governor’s Employer Awards presented by the Washington State Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues & Employment. Grocery Outlet is the only 2024 nominee from Whatcom or Skagit counties of the 30 employers listed. The awards in several categories “honor public and private employers statewide for their exemplary work recruiting, hiring, retaining and promoting workers with disabilities,” according to the announcement, and will be presented Oct. 18 at the Kitsap Conference Center in Bremerton. Northwest Washington winners in previous years include Chuck E. Cheese in Burlington, Walgreens in Sedro-Woolley and Kulshan Brewing in Bellingham.
Frank Catalano writes about business and related topics for CDN; reach him at frankcatalano@cascadiadaily.com.
