More West Seattle biznotes: Swinery update, Bakery Nouveau tunes

SWINERY UPDATE: When we reported their “remodeling shutdown” plan last week, they were planning to be open through this Friday before closing for a few weeks. Instead, their pre-closing sale was so successful, proprietor Gabriel Claycamp reported via Facebook, they’re closed now (except possibly for a TBA “bacon sale”). Meantime, another hot West Seattle food business added something special at lunchtime today for Fat Tuesday:

BAKERY NOUVEAU TUNES: Thanks to Michael at Liberty Bell Printing across the street for the tip: Outside Bakery Nouveau, patrons and passersby were serenaded by members of Swamp Soul (seen here last August during the inaugural Admiral Neighborhood Association Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series). (1:40 pm) Thanks also to Meryl at Sleepers in Seattle and Edgar from Captive Eye Media for sending pix – we just substituted Meryl’s photo for our original on-the-run BlackBerry snap. BN’s Fat Tuesday fare includes paczkis, the filled donuts that also were celebrated in a competition at Metropolitan Market/Admiral (WSB sponsor) today (video of that coming up – but [added] here’s a photo shared by Pam, two of the kids she took to watch the festivities):

CB February 16, 2010 (6:48 pm)

Don’t bother with Bakery Nouveau, they don’t care about you or your business. I experienced that first hand, and won’t be back.

The Swinery is amazing… nice staff, great products. They care about their customers, and respect them. These two business could not be more different.

JL February 16, 2010 (7:03 pm)

I care to differ CB. Nouveau may not have the best customer service in the world but with a line out the door almost every day they do seem to try their darnest. When I go there just to pick up one of William’s perfect baguettes and there’s a long line I find the counter help to go right down the line asking if everyone’s been helped. When they get to me and all I’m getting is a few baguettes, they bump me to the register and I’m out of there. They care a lot. I think you’re going to have to elaborate and explain exactly why their service is not worth a return visit.

west seattle steve February 16, 2010 (9:07 pm)

I love Bakery Nouveau. I’ve been there many times and never been treated poorly. There have been times when I look at the line and walk out because I don’t have the time, but they generally have 4 or 5 people working the counter when it’s busy.

Kathy February 17, 2010 (7:55 am)

I’m glad/sad to hear I’m not the only one who feel BN shortsells on their customer service. I have had OK service from a young guy but the Asian lady always makes me feel like she has much better things to do. Love the food but for the prices I’d like to be treated well also.

dhg March 1, 2010 (3:05 pm)

I strongly disagree with the “don’t bother” assessment. The staff is very good. Sometimes they are overwhelmed and not at their best but they are good folk. And the food is great.

Tony S March 2, 2010 (8:34 am)

My experience with BN has been positive as well. I think their service may be stretched because it’s always so busy, but I’ve never been treated poorly. Curt and quick, perhaps; but not rude. And their products make it more than worth it.

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