Japanese steakhouse reopens, Italian restaurant renovates, and what’s up at the former Izzy’s?
Fujiyama Japanese Steak House & Bar, which previously occupied a corner at Capital Mall Drive and Cooper Point Road, has reopened at its new location.
Charlie Kang said his business reopened at 1200 Cooper Point Road SW, Suite 200, on April 8. He is in the same retail center as Nordstrom Rack and Five Guys Burgers.
Why did the business move? Kang found a new home because the fast-food chicken sandwich business Chick-fil-A intends to build on his former site. Chick-fil-A also has a location in Lacey.
His new space measures 8,000 square feet, up from 7,000 square feet at the old location. The business employs around 45 people, Kang said..
Asked how he was feeling about the move, Kang, who has owned the business for about 10 years, acknowledged that he really had no choice in the matter. Still, he is pleased with the new location and is glad his customers continue to support him.
His wife and business partner Jennifer Kang echoed the same sentiment. “I really appreciate the customers,” she said.
Fujiyama is open 3:30 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 3:30 to 10 p.m. Fridays; noon to 10 p.m. Saturdays; and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays.
Other business happenings
A seafood restaurant called Yummy Crab appears to be coming to the former Izzy’s building in Olympia at Pacific Avenue and Lilly Road.
Izzy’s, a buffet-style restaurant that was known for its pizza and cinnamon rolls, closed in 2020.
No new signs have been erected for Yummy Crab, but a search online for Yummy Crab in Olympia shows the former Izzy’s site.
State Department of Revenue business data also shows information for a Yummy Crab here. The business also has a location in Spokane and Vancouver, Washington.
Stay tuned.
Pellegrino’s Italian Kitchen in Tumwater has closed until April 24 for renovations, the business announced.
“We recently celebrated 20 years in our Cleveland Avenue location. With that comes 20 years of wear and tear on the building. So we decided it was time to give the building some much needed love!” the owners announced on the Pellegrino website.
The closure began April 8.
Capital Place, a Holiday by Atria independent living community in west Olympia, has completed its renovations.
It now has an expanded fitness room, as well as a renovated game lounge, living room with library, atrium, dining room and salon. Other improvements include exterior enhancements, and energy-efficient lighting.
“Improving our dining room, fitness room, and multi-purpose rooms helps our residents thrive and continue to enjoy a vibrant lifestyle. Social engagement — whether that’s sharing a meal with friends, group fitness classes, or movie nights — is a critical component to our residents’ physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being,” said General Manager Kathy Marlow in a statement.
The Medical Equipment Bank is hosting an open house from 2-6 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, at 3537 Martin Way E.
“A tour of the Medical Equipment Bank will demonstrate the bank’s operations, including its receiving department, where the volunteers collect unopened medical supplies and used medical equipment. You’ll also see the repair and the recycling departments,” a news release reads.
The bank operates as a nonprofit.
“The essential services the Medical Equipment Bank and its volunteers staff provide help to improve the lives of older adults and adults with disabilities. We support them in their health, for staying independent, living longer and happier lives in their homes,” the release reads.
Real estate
Walker John, an Olympia developer who has built hundreds of new apartments in downtown Olympia, has a new project in the works, according to the city of Olympia.
The latest plan is to bring a mixed-use apartment building to 411 Legion Way SE, which would occupy an existing parking lot. It will have five floors.
“Four stories consisting of 87 residential units, over one story of retail and parking. Project includes sidewalk improvements and 60 parking spaces,” the city information reads.
Some dates for residents to keep in mind:
▪ A project information meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23.
▪ The comment period ends at 5 p.m. May 2. Send your comments to Casey Mauck at cmauck@ci.olympia.wa.us.
▪ A design review board meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. June 13.
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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.
