The journey to opening a storefront can be a long one. More than a year has passed since we first told you about baker Chely Smithgall‘s plan to open a storefront for her Fine Baking Co. at 6971 California SW in south Morgan Junction. Her window signage is up but she hasn’t opened yet, so we checked in. She had good news: “We are finally approved! We are working on some last details and running tests on the new equipment, hopefully we’ll be ready in a couple of weeks.” She’s gained a reputation already, selling cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, personalized printed cookies, and other “treats” as a “home baker with a cottage food permit.”

West Seattle PCC Assistant Store Director John Reed and Store Director Renee Crovisier

Photos and story by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

It was a neighborhood birthday party 35 years in the making on Saturday, as PCC Community Markets (WSB sponsor) celebrated their 35th anniversary in West Seattle. 

PCC staff hosted the afternoon festivities at the store (2749 California SW) and drew an appreciative crowd of neighbors and customers, with highlights including a performance by the student band from West Seattle High School, food samples from several Northwest makers, demo stations, and various other activities.

Upstairs, kids were invited to decorate their own mini-pumpkins:

…and PCC’s Ed Kernan led customers of all ages in a pasta-making demo:

Downstairs, customers enjoyed wine tasting as well as food samples throughout the store:

The first West Seattle PCC store opened in 1989 (the co-op’s sixth store, and largest at the time), and in 2019 the store doubled in size to 24,000 square feet after a two-year hiatus for construction.

PCC’s roots in West Seattle actually go back to the mid-1960s, according to this article from the PCC website, when the co-op had a drop-off site for grocery deliveries on a member’s porch in Delridge (prior to the co-op even opening their first storefront, in Madrona).  

(first two photos courtesy of Matt Vaughan)

Easy Street Records proprietor Matt Vaughan opened the shop a little later than usual this morning after cleaning up from flooding. No, it wasn’t a weather problem – Vaughan says the water was from a burst pipe in an apartment over the shop. So far, he says he’s lost about 5,000 records and 300 hoodies and tote bags to water damage.

Both the shop and the café are open, however (and as noted in our daily event list, an in-store concert is planned tonight).

1:08 PM UPDATE: WSB contributor Jason Grotelueschen stopped by and talked to Vaughan, who took a quick break to show us that his staff had things mostly cleaned up at that point, with fans running. He noted where the water initially came into the store upstairs, before leaking down to the lower level of the store and even through to the Corner Pocket bar in the basement:

He added that he was grateful to those who worked hard to mitigate the damage, and said he had experienced “much worse” in terms of water damage during the store’s 36 years in business.

Three biznotes tonight:

REOPENING: Azuma Sushi (4533 California SW) reopened Saturday in The Junction, as its now-retired founders said it would, when they announced they were selling it to a longtime employee. The restaurant is now offering dine-in service, for the first time since pre-pandemic. It continues to be open Mondays through Saturdays.

LISTING: When we reported the sale of 2358 California SW – the commercial building formerly owned by Wells Fargo, which closed its branch there back in March – we noted that it was expected to stay as-is rather than being redeveloped, at least in the short run. Now we have confirmation – leasing broker Jason Miller, first VP at Kidder Mathews, tells WSB that the ex-bank space is now officially listed (here’s the flyer) and that they’re seeking a “long-term tenant.”

FEATURING: Every month, HomeStreet Bank in The Junction (4022 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) features a local business or nonprofit, and ends the month with a drawing that bank visitors entered. This month, HomeStreet has been featuring Northwest Art and Frame, and Dan Reiner – who’s owned the shop for 50+ years! – visited this past week for the drawing, giving away a $100 gift certificate to his shop:

The October spotlight at HomeStreet will shine on youth-soccer organization Highline Premier FC. Stop by during bank hours to enter the monthly drawing!

Three biznotes today:

EX-LODGE UPDATE: When we wrote two weeks ago about the “mystery” of who was moving into the former Lodge space at 4209 SW Alaska – described only as a restaurant – commenters said they’d been told that JaK’s Grill, currently barely half a block away, is the tenant. According to newly filed permit documents, they were correct. No other details yet.

EMERALD WATER ANGLERS PROGRESS: Speaking of Junction business moves – the new location for EWA, the ex-Bin 41 at 4707 California SW, is almost ready:

An employee there when we stopped by a short time ago says they’ll be “90 percent ready” by the time they host a West Seattle Junction Wine Walk (sold out!) stop at 5 pm tonight. Meantime, Emerald Water Anglers‘ original location at 42nd/Oregon remains open until the upcoming changeover. (Evening update: Proprietor Dave McCoy told us during our Wine Walk visit that the new location is now open and the old one has closed!)

PCC PARTY: You’re invited to a birthday party at PCC Community Markets West Seattle (2749 California SW; WSB sponsor) on Saturday, October 5. The store will celebrate PCC’s 35 years in West Seattle with “wine tastings and cake (plus) samples from local makers,” noon-4 pm that day. Also of note, it’s been almost exactly five years since PCC opened their current store on the ground floor of the mixed-use building at the old store’s site.

Three West Seattle business notes this afternoon:

HOMEBUYING CLASS: Has the interest-rate cut put you in the real-estate market? West Seattle Realty (WSB sponsor) is offering a free class Thursday night (September 26) at 7 pm with what you need to know. Questions they’ll address will include: “How’s the market? When’s the right time to buy? Is it a Buyer’s or Seller’s market? I’ve heard Buyer’s Agency has changed. What does that mean for me? Do I need a buyer’s broker (agent)?” and more. It’s at their office/event space in Admiral, 2715 California SW. They’re requesting RSVPs at info@westseattlerealty.com – more info here.

FUTURE RESTAURANT’S NAME CHANGE: The former Taqueria Guaymas space at 4719 California SW has been vacant for three years, with its owners, the Virk family, saying they planned to open a restaurant there (Sam Virk owns Maharaja Cuisine of India a short distance north). They originally applied for a liquor license under the name Indochin Wok and confirmed to us more than two years ago that would be its name. This week there’s a new liquor-license application under the name Indio Fusion Restaurant and Bar. We have a message out to see if this means they’re planning to open soon.

COFFEE REOPENING: After two month of renovation work, the Starbucks drive-thru at Avalon/Fauntleroy reopened today.

It’s fall, and everything has revved way up (if it ever slowed down in the first place). Figuring out “what’s for dinner?” is a challenge. Dream Dinners West Seattle (longtime WSB sponsor) has solutions. You can see for yourself by reserving a spot at their Test Kitchen Party this Saturday – here’s the announcement:

Join us for our Fall Test Kitchen Party.

Try a sample of our new fall recipes, share your feedback, get a free gift, and win fun prizes! Plus, we will have exclusive event offers you won’t want to miss.

DATE: September 28th
TIME: 11 AM – 1 PM
LOCATION: 4701 41st Ave SW, ste 110 [east side of outer Jefferson Square]
BRING A FRIEND: Get $10 off on your next order when you bring a guest who is new to Dream Dinners (offer must be used by 11/30/24).

RSVP by texting 206-938-5999

And for Dream Dinners’ customers both new and returning, some updates:

What’s New?

Only 3-dinner minimum
Delivery within 15 miles of West Seattle Store
No monthly subscriptions or fees
Convenient walk-in shopping from our freezer
Multiple pickup locations available
Get delivery to your neighborhood with just 5 friends!

New to Dream Dinners? Here’s how it works.

Three biznotes tonight:

CELEBRATION: As featured in our highlights list, Charcuterie by Annalise (6032 California SW) celebrated the shop’s grand opening today, including a ribbon-cutting ceremony:

(Photo courtesy West Seattle Chamber of Commerce)

We first reported almost three months ago about Annalise Johnson‘s plan for a shop after three years of a mobile operation. She promises “a unique food experience destination for the community,” from sandwiches to gift boxes.

SNOW PREP: Mountain to Sound Outfitters in The Triangle (3602 SW Alaska, with new murals!) notes that the arrival of fall means it’s time to think snow! For one, you can use code 3X378 for 10 percent off season rentals of snow gear; for two, they’ve also announced the plan for selling and/or buying at this year’s West Seattle Ski Swap, October 12-13.

RESTAURANT CHANGE: Portage Bay Café in The Junction (4725 42nd SW) asked us to let you know it’s shifting to fall/winter hours, which means the restaurant will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The other days, it’s open regular hours – 8 am to 1 pm Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 8 am to 2 pm Saturdays and Sundays.

(King County Assessor website photo)

After less than six months on the market, the major Admiral Junction commercial building on the northeast corner of California Avenue SW and SW Admiral Way has a new owner. We reported back in March – after Wells Fargo, the building’s then-owner, closed its branch – that the 25,000-square-foot site at 2358 California SW was going up for sale. It was originally listed for $7.6 million and sold last Friday for $6.3 million. The new owner is Mercer Island-based commercial investor/developer Henbart, whose other properties are in neighborhoods including Magnolia, Ballard, and Edmonds. We’re inquiring with the new owner; in the meantime, a source close to the deal says they have no current plans to redevelop the property – zoned for mixed-use development up to 75 feet, as are the parcels on the other three corners of Admiral/California – but are looking for a new tenant for the ex-bank space and “have had a lot of interest.” (Thanks to Jason for the tip about the deal, first reported by the DJC.)

SIDE NOTE: The building kitty-corner across the intersection, where Quality Cleaners closed four years ago, is shown online as still on the market, listed for $1.5 million.

That’s one of several photos Mike N. sent, showing bare shelves at the Rite Aid store south of The Junction. Other shoppers at Rite Aid and RA-owned Bartell Drugs have noticed dwindling inventory in recent months, wondering if that meant imminent closure. No, according to what the company’s telling customers as it emerges from bankruptcy (which officially happened two weeks ago). Mike also sent this photo:

That note on display in the store mentions restocking, suggesting the shelves will soon be replenished. We contacted Rite Aid’s media team to ask about that. Their response: “We are working diligently with our supplier partners to restock our shelves now that we have successfully emerged. We appreciate our customers’ patience while we begin restocking our shelves with products that will meet the changing needs of our customers.” We also asked if more store closures were planned, beyond the 500+ it’s closed nationwide: “There are no current plans for additional store closures in connection with bankruptcy proceedings or emergence.” Rite Aid is now operating as a private company.

The business notes have been piling up behind this week’s huge stories and breaking news, but here goes with five!

GRAND OPENING: Charcuterie by Annalise is finally through the final stages of permits and remodeling at 6032 California SW and is getting ready to open (two months later than she originally hoped). Her new ribbon-cutting date is noon Sunday, September 22, and the shop will be open until 5 pm that day. Annalise Johnson says the event will include “cheese tastings, raffles/giveaways, demos, sweet treats, and charcuterie boxes for sale.” Find out more about her business in our previous story.

LADY JAYE TURNS 5: As mentioned briefly in today’s highlight list, Lady Jaye (4523 California SW) is celebrating its fifth anniversary. Co-proprietor Evan tells WSB, “We are so excited to have been a part of West Seattle for the last 5 years and we re-signed another 5-year contract. We are sticking around!” As part of the party, today starting at 4 pm they have a special menu item – for the first time, Smoked Texas-Style Wagyu Brisket. (Evan says they have seven briskets for the occasion – but when they’re sold out, they’re sold out!)

PAPER BOAT BOOKSELLERS TURNS 5: Also celebrating a milestone anniversary, Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW). Tomorrow (Saturday, September 14) is the party, 4-6 pm, and co-proprietor Desirae says in the announcement:

We hope you’ll join us even if it’s just to say hi and grab a slice of cake. We want to see your faces because we honestly can’t believe it’s been 5 years so we’ll need you to pinch us to assure it’s actually real! Communities like ours thrive when places bring them together and we’ve always believed that’s just what a bookstore can do. Through thick and thin, we’re here, because what would a bookstore be without the people who enter them.

Full celebration details are in our calendar listing, including 15 percent off purchases all weekend.

CHERRY EXPANDS TO 7 DAYS A WEEK: Cherry Consignment (4142 California SW), which celebrated its 15th anniversary a month ago, wants you to know that the shop is now open 7 days a week, noon-5 pm.

MYSTERY: Readers have emailed pointing out that “LEASED” sign in the window at the ex-Lodge space in Junction 47. As we’ve told them, there’s nothing on record yet, but we asked the commercial real-estate broker who leased it, Jason Miller, first VP at Kidder Matthews, what he could tell us: “I can confirm the space has been leased and the new Tenant plans to open in the first quarter of next year. Construction on the remodel will probably start later this year.” He describes the new tenant as “a great local restaurant with West Seattle roots” and expects them to go public “when the time is right.”

As Origins Cannabis prepares to celebrate its grand opening tomorrow (Tuesday, September 10) after recently moving to a new West Seattle Junction location, we’re welcoming the shop as a returning WSB sponsor. Here’s what they’d like you to know about what they do:

After operating in West Seattle for 8 years, Origins is excited to move to a new and improved location in West Seattle at 4822 California Ave. SW.

Origins‘ entire approach is about appreciation and authenticity of the Pacific Northwest. By that, we mean we have partnered with Washington artists, brands, and farms to give our customers a one-of-a kind experience that honors the WA cannabis industry, while also making cannabis accessible to all those adults who want to explore.

Anyone driving by the store is now greeted by a mural capturing the unique beauty of the pacific northwest, painted by Glynn Rosenberg. Glynn has done an amazing job visually displaying Origins’ ethos of living authentically for all to see.

Additionally, we have a welcoming storefront, with clear open windows to see into our store, eliminating the stigma of cannabis and showing all that cannabis retail is a welcoming experience for adult consumers to explore.

Once customers come into the store, those who placed their orders online can go to our expedited checkout station, first-time customers can learn about Origins’ Lifestyle categories of products, read informational materials in our library and cozy seating area, talk to our highly educated and trained cannabis guides about selecting the right products for their unique body chemistry, and explore, smell and experience our Terpene Bar, first of its kind in WA.

Origins‘ new store is an upgraded environment that caters to customers wanting a speedy, efficient shopping experience, those that are coming in to explore and learn, and those seeking 1:1 customer service experience. We remapped our sales floor to eliminate long wait times, and expedite order fulfillment.

Origins also is super proud to debut our monthly 6 featured farms. These are the farms that our customers said are their favorites in each product category. Each month we will roll out 6 different featured farms; the goal is to share with WA consumers what makes these brands the best of the best, and offer special, personalized experiences for our customers with these brands, like farm tours, and meet and greets with the brands.

Origins‘ new West Seattle location is open 8 am-10:30 pm Mondays-Thursdays, 8 am-11:30 pm Fridays and Saturdays, 9 am-9 pm Sundays.

WSB thanks Origins Cannabis for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here. You can email patrick@wsbsales.com for info on joining the team!

Looking for a new job? The WSB West Seattle Jobs Offered section of our community forums has lots of new listings, so we’re publishing one of our periodic reminders, in case you were unaware of it. For local businesses/organizations, it’s free to post a job. You do need a (free) log-in for the forum section – and if you don’t already have one, you can get that here. You don’t need a log-in to browse the job listings, though – just go here.

Two years after its parent company bought the former Than Brothers Pho building at 4822 California SW, Origins Cannabis (WSB sponsor) has moved its West Seattle shop there. They weren’t expecting the regulatory green light for another week or so but, management tells us, they got it and made the move this weekend. Origins has been renovating the space for months, and told WSB in May that the intent was to create “a space that would allow for a more open and interactive shopping experience for our adult-use consumers.” They also worked to beautify the space, with a mural by Seattle artist Glynn Rosenberg. Watch for the grand-opening celebration next month; hours are 9 am-9 pm Sundays, 8 am-10:30 pm Mondays-Thursdays, 8 am-11:30 pm Fridays-Saturdays. As for its now-closed 40th/Edmunds location, Origins was a tenant there; its owners have been pursuing redevelopment proposals for a decade, currently what city files describe as a five-story mixed-use building with 86 residential units.

A notable sight in one of the public-records sets we check daily for potential news, the list of King County liquor-license applications, which is often the first place a new business, or existing business’s new owner, will surface. Starting last week we noticed a raft of applications for specific stores around the county, mostly QFCs and Safeways, to transfer their licenses to entities with 1918 Winter Street in their names. That’s an entity of C&S Wholesale Grocers, the third party to whom more than 400 stores are to be sold if the Kroger-Albertsons merger goes through. The proposed license transfers have been appearing in the daily reports in batches; today is the first time we’ve seen any of the local stores that are part of the potential deal, per the list we reported last month: Westwood Village QFC and Admiral Safeway are now on the license-transfer list (the third local store proposed for sale to C&S is the Junction QFC). The license filings don’t mean anything operationally for now, but notable nonetheless. We double-checked with C&S to be sure they weren’t closing the deal in advance of the merger, and spokesperson Lauren La Bruno replied, “The transaction is not final and C&S’s agreement is subject to Kroger and Albertsons resolving the pending cases in court.” The newest court case is a counter-offensive by Kroger, seeking to stop the Federal Trade Commission‘s review of the merger.