First they asked for nominations … then they made their decision … and this afternoon, the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce has announced who’s receiving this year’s Westside Awards, plus two other special honors:

The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce honors local businesses for their leadership at its annual Westside Awards in May. Also in 2025, the West Seattle Chamber will present Lifetime Achievement Awards to two remarkable community leaders: Patrick Sand, co-founder of West Seattle Blog, who will be honored posthumously, and Dawn Leverett, whose lifelong service has left a lasting imprint on West Seattle.

“The Westside Awards celebrate not only success but also reflect the unique spirit of our West Seattle communities,” said Rachel Porter, Executive Director of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. “These honors spotlight the remarkable leaders and businesses whose creativity, dedication, and vision keep our businesses connected and moving forward.”

Westside Business of the Year: West Seattle Runner
West Seattle Runner is more than a specialty running store—it’s a hub for fitness, local events, and neighborhood connection. Their commitment to personalized services and building a supportive running community has made them a standout business in West Seattle.

Westside Emerging Business of the Year: Deeds Health
Deeds Health is redefining health-care access in West Seattle with a mission-driven approach to primary care. Led by Dr. Stefie Deeds, the practice is rooted in affordability, transparency, and compassion.

Westside Not for Profit of the Year: WestSide Baby
WestSide Baby fills critical gaps by providing diapers, clothing, and gear for local children and families. Their impact is wide-reaching, ensuring that basic needs don’t stand in the way of a child’s safety and development.

Westsider of the Year: Cleveland King, YMCA
Cleveland King of the West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA is recognized for his deep commitment to mentorship, youth development, and equity. His leadership creates spaces where young people feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Award winners and all nominees will be recognized at the Annual Westside Awards Breakfast on Wednesday, May 14, 7:30 am-9 am, at The Hall at Fauntleroy. Early Bird Pricing for tickets is $55/65 per person through April 30, and $65/75 April 30 onward. Get your tickets here or wschamber.com.

To see lists of the Westside Awards’ previous winners, you can go here.

(October photo courtesy Aimee Owenz)

The sister-and-brother team who operate the Aimee Owenz food truck at 35th/Barton have sad news: “We wanted to let the West Seattle Community that we are unfortunately closing. Our last day will be Saturday, April 26th, unless we run out of food before.” Jenn and Zach opened Aimee Owenz about half a year ago, but it’s been a tough time, not just the kinds of challenges facing any new entrepreneurs – we asked Jenn if there was more that she could say, and she replied: “We lost our mom and grandma during this time and need to focus on ourselves. Bad timing too, with the economy being uncertain and the cost of food rising, it is too risky.” Their truck is for sale, too, she added: “If anyone wants to purchase the truck, they can email us at ai**********@***il.com.”

If you’re going to the beach tomorrow – another sunny day is forecast – you’ll find two new businesses open. After a reader question, we just reconfirmed with the owners of Alki Coffee Co. and Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream that tomorrow is indeed Day 1 for their co-housed businesses at 2742 Alki Avenue SW (ex-Starbucks). Hours will be 7 am-9 pm for the coffee shop, noon-9 pm for the ice-cream shop. The official grand-opening celebration will then be on Saturday (April 26), “Same hours, with the ribbon cutting with the Chamber at noon, Dub II the Husky mascot there for pics 2-3 pm, a balloon artist for the kids 2:30-4:30 pm, and a diaper drive all day in partnership with Westside Baby.” For more on the new shops, see our close-up story from last month.

Another way to get fresh food to more West Seattleites, just announced by the local entrepreneurs behind Cascadia Produce (among other things):

Looking for a way to support local farms, small businesses, and your own health — without blowing your grocery budget? We’ve got good news: fresh, affordable produce is coming back to West Seattle, thanks to a brand-new Fresh Produce Box program created by West Seattle’s own Jill and Jeremy of Cascadia Produce and Mom’s Microgarden.

When the Cascadia Fresh Market pilot on Delridge wrapped earlier this year, Jill was determined to keep fresh food access alive in the neighborhood. By combining the growing power of her microgreen farm (Mom’s Microgarden) and the aggregation and distribution expertise of Cascadia Produce, she’s created a low-overhead model that brings value and values right to our community.

Here’s How It Works:
STEP 1: Pre-order your box at https://app.barn2door.com/momsmicrogarden/all (or go to www.momsmicrogarden.com and press “SHOP ONLINE”)

Choose from two box style options:

*Mom’s Local Produce Box – $34
Includes six local, Washington-grown items each week — always fresh, often organic, and sourced from BIPOC-, woman-, and Native-owned farms. Each purchase supports a network of growers working insanely hard in an uncertain food system economy.

*Cascadia Wild Harvest Box – $29.50
Eight items (2 fruit / 6 veg), sourced with value and variety in mind. Many items are surplus — delicious, just maybe a little wonky-looking (aren’t we all?). Expect staples you’ll actually use, and the occasional exciting surprise like raspberries or avocados.

You can easily add on additional microgreens to any box order (cantaloupe greens are amazing, just sayin).

STEP 2: Pick your pickup spot
Fresh Produce Boxes will be available at four West Seattle locations to start:
– Youngstown Cultural Arts Center Parking Lot – Tuesdays, 2:30–4:30 PM
– Highland Park Improvement Club Parking Lot (HPIC) – Sundays, 2–4 PM
– Highland Park Corner Store – Mondays, 9 AM–5 PM (limited number available)
More sites coming soon as the program grows!

STEP 3: Pick up your box
Come during your pickup window, look for a produce–themed van and/or obvious signage, and grab your box drive-thru or walk-up style.

Questions, comments, another box-pickup site to suggest? Email Jill at ji**@*************en.com.

As noted in today’s highlight list, this is opening day for the new Gene Juarez Salons & Spas location at 4730 California SW in the West Seattle Junction. They’re also the newest WSB sponsor, so here’s their message for you:

Gene Juarez Salons & Spas now open in the Alaska Junction

Gene Juarez Salons & Spas is thrilled to officially open its doors today in the heart of the Alaska Junction. This boutique-style location brings the brand’s signature sophistication to the neighborhood, offering a full suite of salon and skincare services in a modern, intimate setting.

The new salon features a dedicated barber, expert haircuts, coloring, and specialized services for textured and curly hair, as well as hair extensions. The spa side includes facials, waxing, lash and brow treatments, all delivered by a dedicated team of professionals in a relaxing, tranquil environment. Many of the artists and therapists are West Seattle residents, thrilled to work in this new location.

Commitment to Quality

The foundation of the Gene Juarez brand is training and ongoing education. All of the artists and therapists are highly trained, with salon pricing dependent on each artist’s level of experience. All services are guaranteed; if a guest is not happy, they may return for a complimentary correction service.

Commitment to Sustainability

Gene Juarez continues its commitment to sustainability at this location. At least 95% of all beauty service waste is recycled through a partnership with Green Circle Salons. The organization also makes regular updates to its products and vendors to reward sustainable brands with its high volume of business, most recently launching Davines, a B Corp premium haircare line supported by regenerative farming practices.

Community Support

April 22 – 27: 20% of net sales will be donated to West Seattle Food Bank. The salon will also be collecting food and other household good items for WSFB this week

April 29-May 4: 20% of net sales will be donated to WestSide Baby, and we will be collecting diapers and other critical items for WB this week

Located across from Bakery Nouveau and next to Chipotle, the salon is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Appointments can be booked online at genejuarez.com or by call/text at (206) 279-5777.

We thank Gene Juarez Salons and Spas for choosing to advertise their business by sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB. Interested in doing the same? Please email WS************@******es.com – thank you!

After leading classes elsewhere to help more people discover the joy of making pottery, West Seattle artist/entrepreneur Lora Radford is opening a studio, offering memberships and workshops/classes. Potterings will be at ActivSpace (3400 Harbor Avenue SW, #132), and Lora describes it as “a new creative space for beginners,” elaborating in the grand-opening announcement:

Potterings is the perfect place for you if you’ve ever wanted to try pottery but didn’t know where to start! Whether you’ve never touched clay or are looking for a fun, hands-on experience, our studio is designed to be welcoming, stress-free, and full of creative possibilities. We officially open on May 1, 2025, and we’re celebrating with a Grand Opening on May 2 & 3 — featuring free mini try-it workshops, chances to win a free workshop, add your creative touch to the Potterings ceramic sign, and free bubble glazing (you’ve got to try it to believe it!)

Friday, May 2, 6-8 pm – Open House with snacks and refreshments. Chance to win a free workshop! Learn about the Potterings membership.

Saturday, May 3, 12-5 pm – Free mini workshops including trinket dish, coat hook, plant holder, bubble glazing, chance to win a free workshop. Learn about the Potterings membership.

Both days, you’ll have a chance to add your creative touch to the community-created Potterings sign that will be displayed in the studio!

You can also find out about memberships by going here, and see the open studio and workshop/class schedule via the Potterings calendar.

(WSB photo, Tim and Lori McConnell, just before store opened in April 2010)

Independent, locally owned West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor), the peninsula’s only runner-focused store, is about to mark a milestone – 15 years in business! The store opened (in its original location) on April 10, 2010. They’re inviting you to special events starting this Friday – here’s the lineup, from WSR proprietors Lori and Tim McConnell, who explain, “This is a thank you for doing the last 15 years with West Seattle Runner. We are so grateful to you for your support”:

Friday 11th 6:15 pm:
–New Balance Demo Group Run. You can try out a pair of New Balance to run in at no charge. We will serve cupcakes afterwards=.

Saturday, April 12th
–Mizuno and Superfeet Group Run at 8 am. You can try out Mizuno and Superfeet on your run. We will follow up the run with donuts and chocolate milk.
– Mark Bouma, owner of Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle, will be onsite doing 1:1 assessments from 8:40 to 10:30 am.
-We will have Hawthorne Massage doing chair massage 10 am-12 noon.

Sunday the 13th
-We have a Brooks Demo Group Run at 10 am with a warm-up with Seattle Sports & Performance. We will serve beverages afterward.
–Hawthorne chair massage that day 11 am-1 pm.

Also: We will have raffle prizes drawing at the end of the weekend … Tim’s sister, Kelly, will be here for you to demo Bemer all weekend, pulsed electromagnetic field, which always restores my energy and cuts down on injury healing time, thankfully!

Additional events for April will include Biojunction PT injury assessments on the 14th, 4:30-6 pm; a Seattle Sports & Performance workout at the shop at 6:15 pm on the 24th; the April “birthday run” will be Tuesday, April 29, 6:15 pm, with a trip to Good Society afterward (walkers also welcome); and the month concludes with Sound PT visiting 6-7 pm April 30 for individual injury assessments. Haven’t been to West Seattle Runner? The shop is across from the west side of Hiawatha, 2743 California SW.

Four months after eviction forced the sudden shutdown of Alki Café (2726 Alki Avenue SW), it’s finally posted for lease. Checking out the beach area this morning for the first time in several days, we noticed the window signage. So far, though, we haven’t found an online listing, so we have an inquiry out to the leasing entity, Pacific Crest Real Estate, in hopes of details.

(Images courtesy Fleurt/Willow)

Big announcement from the shop at 4536 California SW in The Junction – a new name and new owner (who customers will already know well)

Hi friends,

We have some exciting news to bring to the neighborhood!

In 2010, Fleurt was founded in the heart of the West Seattle Junction as a small flower shop. Over the years, it grew into something more — a cozy, curated space filled with plants, home goods, accessories, and heartfelt community connections.

As we celebrate 15 wonderful years, we’re thrilled to share that Fleurt is now becoming Willow. While the name is changing, the spirit remains the same. We’re still a family-run business, and now, Keonii – daughter of original owner Sam — will be taking the reins as owner, continuing to lead day-to-day operations with the same love and care you’ve come to know.

At Willow, you’ll still find your favorite brands, along with fresh new finds in jewelry, accessories, clothing, wellness, plants, and home decor.

Join us to toast this exciting new adventure on Saturday, May 3rd from 5-8 PM — we’ll have bubbles, snacks, and lots of love to go around.

Thank you, West Seattle, for 15 amazing years of support. We’re so grateful, and we can’t wait to continue growing with you in this beautiful little corner of the world we all call home.

As our very first story about Fleurt, in 2010, reminds us, the shop originally was located at California/Oregon.

(Thanks to Clarence for the photo)

Half a year after Junction Hardware (44th/Edmunds) changed alliances and joined up with the Ace Hardware co-op, its biggest sign is finally reflecting the change! The new sign went up this afternoon, not long after the old one was taken down:

(Thanks to Greg for the photo)

In case you missed our earlier stories, this is NOT an ownership change – Junction Hardware is still West Seattle–owned, by Bruce Davis and family. We spoke to him for this update in February, at which time he explained that the sign installation was lagging while they waited months for a city permit; he also explained some other changes, additions, and improvements facilitated by the alliance with Ace. True Value had stopped being a co-op when it was sold to a private-equity firm, and Junction Hardware is glad to be part of one again.

(Photo courtesy Alki Kayak Tours)

Warm weather is in view and it’s time to get out on the water, so Alki Kayak Tours (1660 Harbor SW; WSB sponsor) is open for the season! Here’s the announcement from Gill at AKT:

We’re excited to share that Alki Kayak Tours (AKT) is officially open for the 2025 season! With the first 70° day of the year upon us this weekend, we’re ready to help the West Seattle Community make a splash and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Here’s what folks can look forward to at AKT:

•Lessons and instruction available 7 days a week, by appointment

•Hourly rental walk-ups this Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 6:00 PM (rentals appts available on website)

Come join us at Alki Kayak Tours to soak up the sun and make unforgettable memories on the water!

AKT is based at Seacrest Pier, along with Marination ma kai and the West Seattle Water Taxi dock.

Today we welcome Olympic Senior Advisors as a new WSB sponsor. When local businesses join the WSB sponsor team, they have the opportunity to tell you about what they do – so here is Olympic Senior Advisors‘ story:

The senior care world can be difficult and overwhelming to navigate. There are more than 4,000 adult family homes and assisted living communities in the greater Puget Sound area alone. Families often become overwhelmed with all the choices and don’t know where to turn. They may wonder which home or assisted living is the right one and they may not know where to begin. Olympic Senior Advisors is here to help families to find the right senior-care options at no cost to the family.

Derek Esses, owner of Olympic Senior Advisors, opened the business right here in West Seattle over 6 years ago to help families find good care options and to help ease the stress of the process. After working in home health for more than 10 years, Derek has made connections with excellent providers that don’t even have public online listings. Once the business began to grow, Derek added to the team because there were more people that needed help and guidance than one person could provide. Olympic Senior Advisors values a team approach allowing the team to work together to find the best possible options for families. Several members of the team live in West Seattle, along with other team members throughout the greater Puget Sound area who are helping to find quality senior-care options for families across the region.

Olympic Senior Advisors work with all budgets because their focus is to help families first, no matter where they are financially. When working with families, the team focuses on care needs, budget, and location. Finances can be difficult for families to discuss, but it is the Olympic Senior Advisors goal to set up every family for success to avoid having to move again due to funds.

Olympic Senior Advisors is a local West Seattle company with pride in our West Seattle roots. We want to help you and your family find the best senior-care options given your needs and to help ease the stress of the process.

You don’t have to do this alone! For a complimentary consultation, call us at 206-473-7657 or email us at in**@*******************rs.com.

We thank Olympic Senior Advisors for supporting independent community-collaborative people-powered news by sponsoring WSB! If you’re interested in joining the sponsor team, please email WS************@******es.com – thank you!

Three biznotes tonight:

OPENING DATE SET: Eight months after we first reported that Gene Juarez Salon & Spa was on the way to the former Sound Credit Union space at 4730 California SW, they’ve set the opening date: April 16. (Thanks for the tip!)

(King County Assessor’s Office photo)

STORE FOR SALE: According to an online listing, the Shorewood Grocery is for sale – both the business and the third-acre it sits on at 10445 26th SW. Records show it last changed hands less than three years ago. Since then, it’s been hit by multiple crash-and-grab burglaries.

THINKING ABOUT SELLING YOUR HOME? Also on the topic of real estate, if you’re considering selling your home, West Seattle Realty (2715 California SW; WSB sponsor) wants to share with you “the tricks of the trade for selling your home in this market to ensure your success!” It’s a free event at WSR at 6 pm this Wednesday (March 26). They elaborate, “We will discuss Timing & Strategy, Preparing your Home for the Market, the Importance of Pricing, and will reserve plenty of time for your questions!” in a “casual evening.” They request RSVPs so they can plan – in**@***************ty.com is where to send yours.

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Jonathan Stebbins and Mark Mullet (L-R above) are about to open a business full of treats – from Belgian waffles to ice-cream cakes.

But if you stop in to talk with them at their future co-housed Alki Coffee Co./Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream shops at 2742 Alki Avenue SW, you might discover they’re most stoked about the decor.

It’s a work in progress, but there’s already an 11-foot-long paddleboard over the southwest wall. Photos are coming, showing Alki history from a century ago. And – the reclaimed cedar.

A tree that fell during the “bomb cyclone” in their contractor’s Eastside neighborhood has yielded lumber they’re using throughout the shop. (They say they had planned to use reclaimed wood anyway.) Uses include a new facade for the beloved fireplace, a holdover from the space’s previous identity as Alki Starbucks. They told us many of the people who stop by or otherwise contact them want reassurance the fireplace is staying.

It is.

What’s gone is the mostly dark ambience of the previous tenant. Light fills the space, from the ice-cream counter on the east side – where a custom mural is on the way, with Puget Sound orcas echoing the black-and-white patches of the famous Ben & Jerry’s cows.

We first told you about the plan for the space – “2/3 coffee, 1/3 ice cream” – five months ago. We checked in with them recently and found out they had set an opening date – April 23 – so we went over for an in-person update on the plan.

The coffee and ice-cream shops will share the same entrance; a Ben & Jerry’s merch table will serve as the main divider. “Two separate businesses, two separate checkouts.” On the ice-cream side, they’ll be offering 28 flavors (scoops, shakes, sundaes, ice-cream cakes, etc.). And on the coffee side, a lot more food than was mentioned in our early report. Yes, you’ll be able to grab a pastry and go – they’ll have some from Macrina, and some house-made, like banana bread. But they’ll also offer acai bowls, made-to-order crepes, Belgian waffles, DIY topping options, made-to-order breakfast sandwiches, avocado toast, and more. The menu will be on an electronic board:

Jonathan, a 13-year West Seattle resident, says they’re hopeful that’ll fill some of the breakfast void left by recent closures (Alki Café and Admiral’s Bebop Waffle Shop come to mind). They’ll have some non-breakfasty options too, like paninis.

Their coffee roaster is the same one mentioned in our story last October, San Juans-based Local Goods, which has created an “Alki Coffee Co. blend, not super dark.” Jonathan says Local Goods is certified organic, sourcing from women-owned growing companies in Central America.

Back to the decor – the furniture hadn’t arrived when we were there, but they’ll have “comfy” seating by the fireplace, a window bar (with windows/doors that will be open in the summer), some tables (a few outdoors, too). In addition to the reclaimed cedar, some driftwood from north Puget Sound will be on the mantle, they said.

If you’re an evening coffee drinker, Alki Coffee Co.’s hours will make you happy – 7 am to 9 pm. (And they plan to have an app for people who want to order ahead.) The Ben & Jerry’s side will be open noon to 9 pm. While April 23 (a Wednesday) will be the day they plan to open to the public, they’re planning a grand-opening celebration three days later, on Saturday, April 26.

Looking further ahead, they plan to be part of an Alki expansion of the West Seattle Art Walk, so watch for that on second Thursdays in the future.