We stopped by West Seattle Produce at 4755 Fauntleroy to check out a WSB’er’s e-mail report that they were planning to soft-open tomorrow. Not only did we confirm that’s true, we also got a tour from co-owner Mike Cairns, working hard to put the finishing touches on the new business. Some changes since we brought you first word of their plans a month ago – at the time, they were going to use the name Pike Place Produce, but now it’s West Seattle Produce. Read on for the newest details about what they’re planning, and a look at some of the antique touches they’re using to add “fun” to the operation:
From left, “our first employee” Maria dropped by with new, locally painted signs – she’s talking with Josh and Mike. While they’re soft-opening tomorrow, the grand opening won’t be for another month, and Mike asks for “patience” as employees get up to speed. He showed us a catalog with 160 products they’ll all have to learn, for starters.
Learning and teaching is part of the plan, he adds: They’ll show you how to cut a pineapple, or maybe offer a recipe. They plan to have some organics, as they can get it; they’re offering a 10 percent discount to seniors and police/fire personnel. (Might be good news to the folks at Station 32, a stone’s throw across Fauntleroy/Alaska.)
Some of the other brands they’ve settled on, in addition to what we reported a month ago – Vashon Island coffee, Remlinger Farms preserved and frozen fruit, Pappardelle’s pasta.
They’re also setting up a nursery area on the south side of the building (above) – which sits atop what was once one of the Huling Brothers car lots – and say it’ll be stocked shortly by Rich’s Landscaping. Besides plants, they expect to have Christmas trees during the holiday season. On the north side of the lot, they’re still going ahead with their previously mentioned plan to offer space to local artists/craftspeople – that’ll happen on Saturdays and Sundays starting in June (and you’re welcome to contact them to find out more). Another funky antique touch:
That donated boat will hold produce bins – as will an old fish cart:
Mike and Josh also beam about the work they’ve done with rough-sawn, reclaimed lumber: And there’s high-tech elements in the works too. The website isn’t finished yet but within a few weeks they expect to take orders by e-mail and fax. For now, here’s the plan: Tomorrow (Friday 4/30) they will open a 20 x 10 tent out front, 8 am till about 8 pm, with “some special buys, giving people a taste of what we’ll have,” Mike explains. Then they’ll gradually finish and fully move into the main building over the ensuing few days. The official grand opening is set for June 5-6.
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