Downtown getting new restaurant, Hawaiian donut shop raising money for storefront
A new restaurant called Donburi Boy is expected to open this summer in downtown Olympia in the space once occupied by Inaka Ramen, said Chester Cheung, chef of the new restaurant.
Inaka Ramen, at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Columbia Street, closed earlier this year, he said.
The Olympian inquired about the space because there are two notes on the front door of the now-closed restaurant that explain that the business is in transition.
“Donburi Boy is an exciting new fusion restaurant that specializes in Japanese and French cuisine,” Cheung said in an email. “We will be offering evening and weekend casual dining that’s perfect for any occasion, with a variety of dishes on our menu expertly prepared with the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. Whether customers are in the mood for classic Japanese donburi bowls or French-inspired entrees, we have something for everyone.”
He also included a preliminary menu that shows the restaurant will serve appetizers, entrees, sides and salads, tempura, donburi bowls and dessert. Donburi is simply a Japanese rice bowl meal, such as the “kara-age don,” or Japanese-style deep-fried chicken with garlic aioli, sweet corn and chives.
Or how about this entree? Grilled comfited octopus/squid and zucchini, with fingerling potato and sweet miso dressing.
The restaurant is expected to operate 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily, offering both dine-in and carry-out options.
For more about Donburi Boy’s progress, follow them on Instagram at donburiboyolympia.
Other business happenings
Oly’s Malasadas has launched a campaign to raise $70,000 for its first storefront, according to the online fundraising site Kickstarter.
What’s a malasada? It’s essentially a Hawaiian-style donut.
“For those who are new or for a special reminder for our friends, this passion project started unintentionally about three years ago when we were in deep quarantine and were craving Hawaiian travel and malasadas,” the campaign message reads.
“As most of you know, we are on the way to opening a brick and mortar in the beloved Olympia, Washington. We have done so much so far, but alas, we are hitting a few road blocks financially. We are hoping to open by summer 2023 but we need a little help before then. Almost there!”
The business has so far raised about $7,300 of the $70,000 goal.
And where would the owners like to open the storefront? They appear to be interested in a pink-hued building at Fourth Avenue and Quince Street, according to a video on the Kickstarter page.
Want to donate to Oly’s Malasadas? You can find them on Kickstarter at oly’s malasadas brick and mortar.
Representatives of Washington Federal are exploring whether to open a bank branch at 406 Water St. in downtown Olympia, according to material shared with the city of Olympia’s site plan review committee. They met with those representatives Wednesday, March 29.
The site plan review committee consists of several city officials who provide feedback on early-stage development proposals.
The property is owned by Joe Illing. He said he has received a conditional offer from the bank for the property, although he thinks they are about a year from securing permits for the project.
Shelton is getting a new restaurant, too. Blessings, a creole and cajun restaurant, is expected to open April 8 at 109 S. First St. They plan to be open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, according to the Blessings website.
Need another coffee fix? Check out Level Up Coffee Shop, which opened at 1550 Irving St. SW, Suite 102, in Tumwater, said co-owner Brooke Orth. Level Up is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, according to its Facebook page.
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.
