New cafe to fill former bistro spot, YMCA upgrades, retailer moves — plus see who got awards
A business called the Just Cuz Cafe appears to be taking shape in a spot once occupied by Andy’s Bistro on Sixth Avenue Southeast in Lacey. The street-level spot is underneath an apartment building.
The Olympian could not reach a contact for the cafe, and it wasn’t immediately clear when the bistro closed. However, the new sign is in place and a note on the storefront says the business is coming this summer. There’s also an Instagram account associated with the business, just.cuz360.
Other business happenings
The Japanese retailer Daiso has announced its intentions to move into space at the Fred Meyer shopping center off Sleater Kinney Road in Lacey, and work is being done to ready the space. But what happened to the previous tenant there?
That business, The Phone Guys, an electronics retailer, has moved to another spot in the Fred Meyer shopping center, near Tuna Poke.
The Thurston Economic Development Council is soliciting nominations for its economic courage awards, the organization announced.
What’s economic courage? Here’s how the EDC describes it: “It’s about those exceptional leaders, businesses, and nonprofits that took extraordinary steps to provide valuable services, products, or support during challenging times. They dared to take risks and adapt, making a positive impact on their community and employees.”
Last year’s winners included Olympia Hardware Building LLC (new business), Ebony and Ivory Coffee (small business) and Homes First (nonprofit). This year’s winners will be announced at the Thurston EDC’s Hootenanny on July 25. To nominate a business, go to the EDC’s website.
Meanwhile, the Briggs YMCA at Henderson Boulevard and Yelm Highway in Olympia is getting new weight equipment.
“We are putting your membership dollars to work as we invest in your health and fitness. The weight room will be closed for a few days as we make the transition from our existing Life Fitness strength training machines to new state-of-the-art Nautilus One equipment,” the announcement reads.
To make the transition, the weight room will close June 15 and reopen the morning of June 18.
Several businesses in Thurston County have been recognized with Snail of Approval awards from Slow Food of Greater Olympia, according to a news release.
What does the award signify? Here’s what Slow Food says: “A Snail of Approval means that the business is paying close attention not only to the act of growing, processing, or preparing food, but that they’re doing so along with a deep commitment to Slow Food values: good, clean, and fair food for as many people as possible.”
The winners: the restaurant Chicory in downtown Olympia, Colvin Ranch in Tenino, Dancing Goats & Singing Chickens Farm in Yelm, OlyKraut Gourmet Sauerkraut in Olympia, Folk Bread Bakery in Olympia, Sofie’s Scoops in Olympia, and Helsing Junction Farms in Rochester.
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Hotel, restaurants and more coming to new commercial development in Tumwater
If you know of a retailer, restaurant, coffee shop or other business that is opening, closing, expanding, remodeling, or changing its focus, send an email to reporter Rolf Boone at rboone@theolympian.com.
