Long-closed, but today soon — open: Cavvy’s update

ORIGINAL 1:57 AM REPORT: Every so often, somebody e-mails to ask what the deal is with Cavvy’s, the never-open (yet not-empty) West Seattle store shown above in Google Street View, 5251 California SW, between Ephesus restaurant and Rick’s Barber Shop. Just half an hour ago, we got the tip from Rick himself – that Cavvy’s is supposed to open at 10 am today “after a mysterious 13-year hiatus … Everything will be on sale so shop early and shop often.” (Yes, we love 1 am news tips, or any time 24/7 …
editor@westseattleblog.com … 206-293-6302 …)

10:40 AM UPDATE: Sign on the door as of a few minutes ago says “Not open yet.”

11:58 AM UPDATE: Rick says in comments it’s now looking more like Monday. … And half an hour later, an update: Tuesday.

Ken May 16, 2009 (6:26 am)

Soooo.

What do they sell at Cavvy’s?

Why would anyone remember after 13 years?

Christopher Boffoli May 16, 2009 (7:18 am)

What a strange story. The place has been closed for 13 years? How did the proprietor stay in business without selling anything?

WSN Helen May 16, 2009 (9:40 am)

Wow! That’s an opening of like, cosmic proportions. Does the opening correspond with sun flare cycles? Don’t miss it or you won’t get another chance until 2022. Man, those chachkies in there must be dusty!

WSB May 16, 2009 (9:56 am)

Someone has e-mailed us wondering if perhaps Rick meant 13 months. That would still be a long time. We’ll be stopping in to find out … meantime I think I will just ellipses-ize that part of the quote … TR

Ms Pam May 16, 2009 (10:47 am)

That spot at Cavvy’s was a great spot for a business. Back in the 1960’s (the olden days!)it was actually a dry cleaners. A great woman named Aggy worked there. Nice to see that it is reopened, for a moment anyway…

56bricks May 16, 2009 (11:16 am)

Naah, it’s actually been closed for 13 years. I know it’s been 13 years because my shop has been next door for 16. I just talked to Wayne 5 minutes ago and he says it probably wont be officially open until Monday. So, after 13 years, whats a couple of days, eh? Ms Pam – it was also a beauty shop after the dry cleaners ~ Rick

zero-to-life in West Seattle May 16, 2009 (11:20 am)

It has been closed for about ten years. I know because it was largely due to health issues of the owner, who is part of my family. Ten years is a long time, though, you’re right!

Rockmama76 May 16, 2009 (11:47 am)

That’s an actual business? My husband and I always joked that it was a money laundering front because in the 5 years we’ve been here it’s never once been opened LOL…

WSB May 16, 2009 (11:57 am)

Thank you all, restoring Rick’s original quote. As I wrote atop the post, I went by about an hour and a half ago and saw the “Not open … yet (smiley face)” sign, thanks to Rick for the update, we’ll add that here … And if anybody associated with the business wouldn’t mind being interviewed BEFORE the grand reopening, give me a shout editor@westseattleblog.com or 206-293-6302 … TR

lah.dee.dah May 16, 2009 (12:22 pm)

this story has me thinking about the old junction..old those quirky stores..(or just stores that seemed to have something mysterious about them-just because i liked to build up stories in my head ).Does anyone remember that old chinese restuarant by godfather’s pizza ? it always looked closed and so dingy around the window..was it really open…how come we never saw people go inside???? There was a few others..just can’t remember now. Oh the good old days……………………………………….

WSB May 16, 2009 (12:27 pm)

There have been some great “anybody remember” discussions in the WSB Forums. I’ll add a URL here after finding it.

GenHillOne May 16, 2009 (12:28 pm)

wow, that’s quite a story…could be filled with collector’s items by now!

56bricks May 16, 2009 (12:30 pm)

Well kids, just talked to Wayne again and the really really O-ficcial opening will be Tuesday at 10:00. This stuff has gott at least be antiques by now. ~ Rick

WSB May 16, 2009 (12:32 pm)

Thanks again for the updates! Nothing beats on-the-scene reporting and you can’t get much more on-the-scene without busting through your northern wall …

Shari May 16, 2009 (1:27 pm)

Any news about what’s inside? Has anyone looked in the windows?

WSB May 16, 2009 (1:30 pm)

To pull up a very old term, I’d describe it as bric-a-brac.

56bricks May 16, 2009 (2:30 pm)

Hey lah.dee.dah, I think you’re talking about Lloyd at the old Fong Fong, best,cheapest andsleeziest Chinese in town!

56bricks May 16, 2009 (2:37 pm)

Oh yeah, while we’re at it my barber shop has been here since 1929 when it was originally built by the owners. Cliff Whitten (the original barber)passed in 1974 but his widow is alive today. The Wayne I speak of is their younger son, the older being Cliff Jr. Who’s gettin’ old here?