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West Seattle businesses: The Westy hits one goal, aims beyond

January 31, 2014 9:15 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle businesses: The Westy hits one goal, aims beyond
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

It’s not ready for game-watching this time, but when the Seahawks return to the Super Bowl NEXT YEAR … viewing venues are likely to include The Westy Sports and Spirits, under construction at 7908 35th SW. Its crowdfunding campaign – loans, not donations, as reported here four weeks ago – just passed its first goal and is still in play, as co-proprietor Paul Ritums explains:

It has been an exciting month for Seattle Sports fans and it all culminates with the Seahawks playing in the Super Bowl this Sunday. While we are all anxiously awaiting kickoff on Feb 2nd, scoping out the prime spots at the bar or preparing our cheering section, The Westy Sports & Spirits is finishing its scoring drive. As of this printing we have scored a touchdown and reached our minimum goal of $20,000 through our Community Sourced Capital campaign. We want to thank all of our friends, family, and the community for participating and helping us to get closer to opening our doors.

It has been a privilege to be CSC’s first brand-new business and see the whole process unfold before us. With reaching our minimum we have guaranteed that the loan will be fulfilled, but we aren’t done yet. We are entering overtime, as our campaign ends just before the Seahawks storm the field. Our maximum target for our campaign is $40,000 and it would be great to see how close we can get in the remaining few days. The Seahawks and their fans wouldn’t settle for a tie, but go for the big win, and we aim to do the same.

This crowdfunding campaign is different from the rest, as with this campaign, whatever you contribute, you get back 100%. And all of our supporters will be rewarded for their efforts. So please take the time to check out the campaign page.

With everyone’s continued support, this time next year, West Seattle will have another prime location for the 12th Man to scope out a spot at the bar and cheer on the soon to be defending Super Bowl Champions.

Go Hawks!

Well Medical Arts: New WSB sponsor for Inner Health, Outer Beauty

This afternoon we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Well Medical Arts. As is our tradition, we offer new local sponsors the chance to tell you about what they do:

Make 2014 the year for you! Come visit us at Well Medical Arts and learn how to treat yourself every day of the year. Learn about our vitamin-deficiency testing or our fabulous new Laser resurfacing for your face. No matter your concern, Dominique Well, ARNP, addresses your issue with total quality treatment and a great value for your money. For new patients, we have a special offer of 5 free units of Botox if you purchase 20! Do schedule your free consultation soon and see exactly what happens within the healing walls of Well Medical Arts, a unique boutique of Inner Health, Outer Beauty.

Well Medical Arts has four special events coming up: Tomorrow (Thursday, January 30th), introducing our special CLEANSE Series, 6 pm-8 pm; Thursday, February 6th, HCG Diet Clinic, 6 pm-8 pm; February 14th and 28th, come learn about the new semi-permanent filler Aretfill (by appointment only). Call now to reserve your spot! 206-935-6789.

Well Medical Arts is at 9025 35th SW, and online at wellmedicalarts.com.

We thank Well Medical Arts for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

West Seattle biznotes: Teriyaki mystery update; M3 Bodyworks adds insurers; wine-tasting room opens; gym food drive

BENI HOSHI SAGA, THE NEXT CHAPTER: Almost two weeks ago, after a WSB reader tip, we noted that Beni Hoshi Teriyaki had abruptly disappeared from 35th/Fauntleroy; property owner Seattle City Light told us that BH had been subleasing, so SCL had no info on what happened. Now a “FOR LEASE” sign has appeared. We aren’t seeing a listing yet so have an inquiry out to the broker to ask if they’re looking for another restaurant or casting a wider net.

3 MORE INSURERS FOR M3 BODYWORKS: Longtime WSB sponsor M3 Bodyworks says it’s expanded the list of insurers with which it’s working:

M3 Bodyworks Massage Clinic is now accepting three new insurance plans. We now have contracts with Group Health, United Healthcare and First Choice Health Network. This is in addition to Premera/Lifewise, Regence/Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Cigna. We are pleased to be able to serve our community with these new offerings. To book an appointment, go to M3bodyworks.com and click on “Book your appointment now!” Then select the plan that matches your insurance card. Our online scheduling system will book you with a therapist that is currently contracted with your insurance plan.

You should always call the customer service number on the back of your card to ensure massage therapy is a covered benefit. We will do our best to assist you in finding the answers for you as well. Feel free to contact our front desk staff with any questions you may have about your new insurance. M3 Bodyworks Massage Clinic is a longtime supporter of the West Seattle Blog. We are located at 5236 California Ave SW, Suite D. We look forward to welcoming these new insurance clients to our practice!

NEW WINE-TASTING ROOM: Wine fans have a new option on the peninsula:

Two Brothers Winery is proud to announce that its new tasting room is now officially open to the public.

We are located in the lower unit of Belli Capelli Salon, 3902 California SW; the entrance is off Bradford Street. We will be open most Friday and Saturdays from 3:00-6:00 PM. We look forward to expanding the hours as the year progresses. Please feel free to contact us to set up both private and group tastings.

STRAIGHT BLAST GYM FOOD DRIVE: Sonia at Straight Blast Gym (5050 Delridge Way SW) says they’ve having a food drive until Valentine’s Day, hoping to collect more than a ton of food. There’s an incentive – they’re having a drawing among donors to give away an iPad mini, and you get one drawing ticket for every 10 food items you bring in. Stop by Straight Blast 6 am-8 am or 2-9:30 pm Mondays-Fridays, 8:30 am-1 pm Saturdays, 5 pm-8 pm Sundays.

West Seattle businesses: FASTSIGNS’ grand opening

Celebrating the grand opening of FASTSIGNS of West Seattle (WSB sponsor) Thursday night, owners James Pike and Jessica Lee posed with new WS Chamber of Commerce CEO Lynn Dennis. Chamber members came to join the party, holding their monthly After Hours event in conjunction with the grand-opening festivities. As noted here last month, FASTSIGNS’ goal is to “make it as easy as possible for the customer to achieve all of their visual communication goals, needs, and desires” and it offers many ways to do that. Many of its offerings were shown off last night, and some were given away as door prizes, including the local item FASTSIGNS’ Christine Greene is showing off in our photo:

Missed the event? Find them at 6323 35th SW, and online here.

From north to south on West Marginal Way: 2 project notes

West Seattle’s easternmost arterial has two items of note today – not related aside from the street they share:

3601 WEST MARGINAL WAY ‘URBAN FARM’: Last month, while the state was taking applications from prospective recreational-marijuana businesses, we mentioned that two applicants were seeking to produce marijuana in a building at 3601 West Marginal Way, alongside the West Seattle Bridge.

(King County Assessor photo)
There are now two permit applications in with the Department of Planning and Developmentone filed in December to “change use of a portion of existing floor and mezzanine from heavy manufacturing to urban farm in existing commercial building,” one filed this week for an interior wall. The state has not yet announced its final licensing decisions.

7116 WEST MARGINAL WAY DECISION NEAR: Four months after the homeless encampment cleared out, this partly-city-owned site’s future might become clearer next week. We just checked with Food Lifeline to see if its proposal to build a regional center there for its hunger-relief work was still in play; the organization tells WSB this is one of two sites it has been reviewing and that its board is expected to make a decision this month about which to pursue.

West Seattle Chamber of Commerce announces new CEO Lynn Dennis and new board, chaired by Nancy Woodland

(WSB photo added 5:24 pm: New Chamber CEO Lynn Dennis with past chair =Dave Montoure)
The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce has just announced its new board lineup and its newly hired CEO, successor to longtime leader Patti Mullen, who left two years ago. Here’s the announcement from the Chamber’s new chair Nancy Woodland:

Today the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is pleased to announce the hiring of Lynn Dennis as its full-time Chief Executive Officer.

The Chamber of Commerce is the leading advocate for the business community in West Seattle, connecting business owners, providing networking and educational resource opportunities and supporting the vibrancy of the diverse local business community.

“The CEO is the first person many new employers, business owners, developers, citizens and legislators contact when investigating the many economic strengths of our region. Lynn has exactly the right skill set to represent the Chamber as we continue to move forward to provide even more value to our members and the West Seattle community,” says Nancy Woodland, 2014 Chamber Board Chair.

Ms. Dennis served for the past year in an interim capacity, with the Chamber, focused on strengthening the Chamber’s infrastructure, establishing systems and setting the stage for future growth. She comes with more than 30 years’ experience in management positions with expertise in strategic planning, operations management, marketing, community outreach and systems implementation. As Ms. Dennis moves into the role of CEO, Mary Cropley will continue as the Chamber’s part-time Financial Manager.

“The Chamber is a sought-after voice with local government, community leadership.and our local business community,” shares Dave Montoure, immediate Past Board Chair. “Lynn’s experience as both a small business owner and in corporate management strengthens the voice of our local Chamber. We know we are in good hands as we work towards bolstering our engagement with local businesses, government and the greater West Seattle community. ”

In addition, the Chamber announces its 2014 Board of Directors and Executive Officers

Officers

Chair: Nancy Woodland – WestSide Baby [WSB file photo at left]
1st Vice Chair: Hamilton Gardiner – Holmquist & Gardiner
Treasurer: Ryan Letson – Jackson, Morgan & Hunt
Secretary: Paul Prentice – Prentice Design
Past Chair: Dave Montoure – West 5

Directors

Wendy Damoth – Flower Lab
Sally del Fierro – Port of Seattle
Patrick Jablonski – Nucor Steel
Dana Perreault – Red 27 Engraving
Michael Pivar – Cornerstone Financial Group
Elizabeth Pluhta – South Seattle Community College
Trish Throop – Eldercare Consulting

To learn more about your West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, please contact Lynn Dennis, CEO at lynn@wschamber.com or call 206-932-5685. The Chamber’s next After-Hours event is at the Fast Signs Grand Opening on Thursday, January 16, and the 2014 Member Annual Meeting luncheon will be Thursday, January 30 (location TBD).

Biznotes: West Seattle Fabric Company ‘streamlining’; new Smallclothes owner; Beni Hoshi followup; Zippy’s tribute

Four local-business notes to share tonight:

WEST SEATTLE FABRIC COMPANY STREAMLINES: North of Morgan Junction, you might have noticed the former Stitch and Sew Studio location at 5910 California SW has a “for lease” sign in the window. After 14 months, proprietor Monica Skov tells WSB she has decided to streamline and host classes out of their ongoing flagship retail location, West Seattle Fabric Company in The Admiral District. Monica tells WSB, “The Stitch & Sew Studio was a great experience for us to know exactly what our customers want – and simple, small, ‘learn to sew’ classes are what are needed.” So that’s what they will be offering, out of WSFC from now on, at 2210 California SW.

NEW OWNER FOR SMALLCLOTHES: The children’s store smallclothes at 3215 California SW has a new owner, Anne Thompson, who invites you to stop in and say hi. If you haven’t been there before, Anne says smallclothes is known best for “very well maintained, brand name, used clothing” for kids. She is a mom of two daughters and was looking to return to work outside the home after four years “when this opportunity came across my lap … I just couldn’t pass up the chance to own my own business.” She says smallclothes is now open on Sundays and while it’s under new ownership, its popular staffers are still there, and she’s added an additional staffer to help with logistics.

BENI HOSHI FOLLOWUP: We first noted in Monday night’s business roundup that Beni Hoshi Teriyaki by the 35th/Fauntleroy bridge entrance had suddenly gone out of business and removed its signs. We have since checked with the property owner, Seattle City Light, whose spokesperson Tyson Lin says the building was leased by the owner of a prior business and subleased to Beni Hoshi, so SCL has no direct knowledge of what happened. He also says the 2011 mention of studying the site for low-income housing development didn’t go anywhere: “(The site) was considered, but in the end was not included as an opportunity for this purpose.” So we still don’t know what happened and what’s next for the building.

ZIPPY’S TRIBUTE/BENEFIT: While writing this roundup, we noticed the following, posted on Facebook by Zippy’s Giant Burgers:

Our special burger (not really a burger in the traditional sense) for the month will be the pork tenderloin. This special is to honor Rahel’s father, who passed away over the weekend. He was an Iowa boy and the pork tenderloin sandwich is an Iowa favorite. On a trip to Wapello Iowa last spring we met with the local butcher and he gave us the lowdown on how to make this deep-fried treat. Simple and tasty.

*pounded out and tenderized piece of center cut pork loin. marinated in seasoned buttermilk over night. coated in cracker crumbs (we were directed to make our own cracker crumbs using regular old saltines)
*deep fried.
*served up on a bun simply dressed with yellow mustard, pickles and lettuce.
$8 – one dollar from each sandwich sold will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association Washington State Chapter.

Zippy’s is at 9614 14th SW.

West Seattle Office Junction: Welcoming a new WSB sponsor

With outbound traffic like today, telecommuting might look more appealing than ever. But you don’t want to just sit around typing all alone. And even going to a coffee shop doesn’t solve the problem. So how about co-working? West Seattle’s first and only co-working space, West Seattle Office Junction – WSB’s newest sponsor – offers more than space – it offers camaraderie, collaboration, and inspiration. Here’s what else they’d like you to know:

If you’re considering co-working at West Seattle Office Junction, you can consider the question: “Would you rather work in a clean, quiet, professional office space with high-quality office chairs, high-speed internet, meeting room, fax, copier, scanner, color printer, free coffee, tea, and beer, plus a friendly community of independent professionals … or alone at home distracted by dishes and laundry?”

Most of our members sought us out because they felt isolated at home. They need less distraction, more structure and more human interaction. They keep coming back because we provide the essential office services that independent professionals, creative and telecommuters and entrepreneurs need plus a supportive community.

West Seattle Office Junction members tell us about a wide range of changes in their lives. These include increased productivity, new-found business relationships, skill sharing, new friends, and even personal growth. They say: “…this is a great deal.”, “…I love it.”, “I need to get out of the house.” and “Thank you!”.

We want to be known as a collaborative space where people come together, share, bounce ideas, get active, celebrate accomplishments, help each other. We want to be a home base for local business owners, community groups and home office professionals. We actively work against the ‘Seattle Freeze’ by bringing the community closer together and supporting local businesses.

The Office Junction is a member of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, the Seattle Collaborative Space Alliance, and West Seattle Women in Charge. We also support, and are part of, local PTAs and we host meetup groups to foster collaboration and networking for West Seattle professionals.

Some of the events coming up at WS Office Junction: We will continue to host our free, bi-weekly Coworking meetups every other Wednesday at noon (next – tomorrow, January 8th) to network, share, talk about business ideas, projects, get feedback, build community and make new friends and business partners. The 4-week Krypton Community College course ‘The Happiness Project’ just began, enabling groups of people to come together for brief, powerful, in-person learning experiences. Watch for future session info here.

Office Junction also offers periodic free-coworking days – next one on January 15th, 10 am-3 pm. And you can visit this Thursday (January 9th) during West Seattle Art Walk night. We have just installed new art from local artist Andrew Miller. Andrew will be with us for this opening. We will also use this evening to showcase several small, local businesses offering new and unique services to help you enjoy 2014. WS Office Junction is at 5230-B California SW.

We thank West Seattle Office Junction for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; see our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

West Seattle biznotes: Vidiot soft-opens in Admiral; Edie’s closing Junction store; Beni Hoshi mystery; Ventana obliges Hawks fans

Four West Seattle biznotes tonight:

VIDIOT OPENS IN EX-SHIPWRECK TAVERN: You might call it a “barcade” – you can play AND sip at Vidiot, which is in a soft-opening phase at 4210 SW Admiral Way, vacant since the Shipwreck Tavern closed more than a year ago. A new-liquor-license flyer had been up in the window for a few weeks; then Friday, Vidiot soft-opened, according to co-proprietor Tony Mitchum, with whom we spoke tonight. Its centerpiece: Games, some there now, more to come. On the main floor, you’ll find older arcade games such as Pac-Man and Defender (photo above); pinball machines are coming in later this week; the upstairs loft will have classic Atari and Nintendo consoles, as well as board games. Vidiot is open 5 pm-2 am nightly, cash only for starters.

EDIE’S SHOES CLOSING IN JUNCTION, CONTINUING ON CAPITOL HILL: In the window at Edie’s Shoes in The Junction is a hand-lettered sign reading “END-OF-LEASE SALE.” When that sale is over – no firm date yet – proprietor Erin says, she will close the 4310 SW Alaska shop after nine years, and focus entirely on her Capitol Hill location.

BENI HOSHI TERIYAKI OUT OF BUSINESS? After WSB Forums member BubbleGumMom posted that question earlier tonight, we went over for a look.

Indeed, as BGM posted, the signs are gone (or turned over), except for the sign-board slogan; the phone number is disconnected. Nothing in public records offers a hint about why – but we do recall this story from two years ago. At the time, now-former City Councilmember Richard Conlin wrote that the city was studying the possibility of public/private development on the site, a former substation (NOT one of the ones on the current “surplus” list). So City Light is one source with whom we’ll follow up tomorrow to try to find out what happened and/or what’s next.

VENTANA CHANGES WORKSHOP DATE – THANKS TO SEAHAWKS! WSB sponsor Ventana Construction has changed the date for its next free remodeling/custom-building workshop, by fan demand – Seahawks fans! The workshop WAS planned for next Saturday, but then the Seahawks’ playoff game was scheduled, so now the workshop is set for the next day, 2 pm Sunday, January 12th, at Ventana’s offices (California/Findlay). RSVP if you’re interested – 206-932-3009.

Followup: Aegis closes West Seattle Life Care Center site purchase

Moving on with some other news now that the big power outage is mostly over:

A major real-estate deal in West Seattle has closed. Eastside-headquartered Aegis Living has completed its purchase of the former Life Care Center site at 47th/Admiral, for $3,650,000. We first reported almost two months ago that Aegis was the prospective buyer; then Aegis CEO Dwayne Clark talked with WSB just before Thanksgiving, saying they’re planning to tear down the old building and build a new complex with 72 to 80 units, some assisted living, some memory care. No city permit applications yet; Clark told us last month that they expected to finish design work within three months or so of closing the deal. His company has 30 senior-living complexes in three states.

West Seattle holiday scene: Illusions Hair Design’s open house

Here’s one place you can shop late tonight: Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor) is open until 8:30. And you don’t have to have a hair appointment to stop by – Illusions has purses, jewelry, and scarves, and they’re on sale. Treats too; Illusions is at 5619 California SW. This is, so far as we know, the last West Seattle business holiday open house of the season – we featured many others in the Holiday Guide and here on the news page over the past month or so.

West Seattle businesses: Lafarge, Ash Grove food-drive faceoff

Thanks to Lashanna Williams (second from right, above) at Lafarge Seattle for sharing that photo and the following report on the friendly competition between workers at the two cement companies (and other community giveback):

This week has been busy for the Lafarge Seattle Crew. Wednesday, we were all along West Marginal Way doing some deep cleanup on the pedestrian and bike path.

It’s also the time of year for the annual Lafarge vs Ash Grove Food Drive Competition for Northwest Harvest. Lafarge Cement has retained the title and trophy for yet another year! The Ashgrove team will be visiting the Seattle plant tomorrow morning to present the trophy for a 2013 victory!

Great job Lafarge and Ashgrove!

Lafarge donated 560 pounds of food, $146 cash/checks, and $600 in grocery-store gift cards, Lashanna reports; Ash Grove donated 348 pounds of food and $150 in cash/checks.

West Seattle history: Husky Deli’s new, ‘old’ sign

Something old is something new in The Junction today – that sign that’s just gone up outside Husky Deli is a replica of the one that marked its location for more than thirty years. Husky proprietor Jack Miller gave us the heads-up it would be going up today; he told us in a quick video interview this morning that it’s something he’s wanted to do for a long time:

The sign is still being tweaked, and, as noted in the video, will be turned on tonight; we’ll add “after” photos later. Read about Husky’s history, from West Seattle 101, here.

P.S. Other local businesses have rediscovered their history – two and a half years ago, you might recall, we chronicled what turned up during Elliott Bay Brewing’s facade remodel (commenters added lots of great information); also on that side of the street, early work at the 4730 California site turned up a sign from a long-gone business.

West Seattle holidays: Wanted – Christmas/New Year’s biz info

December 15, 2013 4:51 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle holidays: Wanted – Christmas/New Year’s biz info
 |   Holidays | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

With Christmas less than two weeks away, we are making the rounds again for the traditional WSB lists of coffee shop/restaurant holiday hours – specifically, who’s open Christmas Eve/Day and New Year’s Day, because those are the dates we’re more often asked about. If you have a West Seattle/White Center/South Park restaurant/coffee shop and know your plans, we appreciate a note – editor@westseattleblog.com – to save us/you the phone call. And while we’re not able to make a comprehensive list of other types of businesses, we would be happy to include them in the WSB Holiday Guide if we receive that info (for example, letting us know you’re open until X on Christmas Eve). Thanks, and watch for the links to those lists in the guide and our calendar soon!

P.S. We’re also still adding to the other areas of the guide, as the info comes in – from holiday events to religious services to giving opportunities – same e-mail address.

FASTSIGNS in West Seattle: Welcoming a new WSB sponsor

(8/14 note: To check whether a business is still a current WSB sponsor, please go here)

Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor, FASTSIGNS West Seattle, now open. Here’s what they would like you to know about their business:

(FASTSIGNS’ James Pike, Christine Greene, Steve Sharp)
We are excited to be part of the FASTSIGNS® family, which is a multi-national franchise and recognized as a leader in the industry. After researching several business options, the owners, James Pike and Jessica Lee, determined that FASTSIGNS® would be a great addition to the business community, serving West Seattle, Burien, and the surrounding area.

At FASTSIGNS® West Seattle, we care about our customers and we make it as easy as possible for the customer to achieve all of their visual communication goals, needs, and desires. With over 50 years of collective experience in graphics, production, sales and business development and architecture, our team is ready and excited to serve the community and build relationships with our customers. Every business has a story to tell, and we look forward to having the opportunity to help tell your story.

As residents of West Seattle, the owners of FASTSIGNS® West Seattle are very involved within the West Seattle community as members of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, and Jessica, who grew up in West Seattle, is the Treasurer of the West Seattle Food Bank. She is also an alumnus of Seattle Lutheran High School as well as Seattle University and the University of Washington. James, originally from London, UK, is active in various soccer leagues and also a diehard Chelsea football supporter!

FASTSIGNS® West Seattle is located at 6323 35th SW and online at FASTSIGNS West Seattle. Please call 206-577-4077, or request a quote online.

We thank FASTSIGNS® West Seattle for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

Skin Butik: Welcoming a new West Seattle Blog sponsor

(8/14 note: To check whether a business is still a current WSB sponsor, please go here)

Today, we welcome a new WSB sponsor: Skin Butik. New sponsors are invited to introduce themselves to you, so here’s what they would like you to know:

(From left, Skin Butik’s Donna Mansfield and Sara Lowe)
Skin Butik offers you European skin care, without leaving West Seattle. Clients are happy to choose Skin Butik for reasons such as our absolutely gorgeous and private space with convenient parking in Morgan Junction. We cater to one client at a time here; they are delighted to find the entire spa all to themselves and enjoy private, and very personal, one-on-one, first-class service at Skin Butik. Also, we are enthusiastically connected to the West Seattle community and a great resource for referring people to other fantastic local businesses in the area!

We often hear from clients how happy they are that they discovered us, some of them as many as 15 years ago! Skin Butik clients are so happy they don’t have to travel downtown, pay for parking, pay too much money for only a mediocre experience and deal with a large staff; they love the European quality of the services we provide. The majority of our business happens through word of mouth, and we could not be more grateful for our referrals! The best part of our job is that we are as much inspired by our amazing clients as they are by us. We discuss everything here, from overall health, diet, and lifestyle, to the latest trends in fashion, to worldwide travel. Our clients keep coming back for the ultimate relaxing experience and optimum aesthetic services and care, including the best European facial Seattle has to offer. Seriously.

Our community involvement includes being part of the WestSide Professionals BNI organization in West Seattle, a BNI organization that meets every Wednesday morning to network, and grow each other’s businesses in our community. We look forward to growing our business and want to thank all of our amazing clients for their support all these years! Here’s how to contact Skin Butik, including online appointment requests, or call 206-938-7714.

We thank Skin Butik for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

West Seattle – We Have That! 10 reasons to shop offline

EDITOR’S NOTE: Earlier this year, WSB started a series of stories about independent local businesses and why they matter more to a community like ours than you might realize. Then, the West Seattle: We Have That” campaign launched at midsummer. Now, we’re continuing to publish stories as part of the series – and inviting you into the conversation. Many of the reports are being underwritten by the West Seattle Junction Association, but not as ads – it’s their contribution to an issue of importance from Alki to Admiral to Westwood, Fauntleroy to Highland Park to North Delridge, and all over WS.

By Keith Creighton
Special to West Seattle Blog

Tomorrow night is the next Shop Late Thursday in The Junction, one of many ways West Seattle shopkeepers – outside The Junction, too – are hoping to attract your shopping dollars this holiday season. As we have noted before in the ongoing series of West Seattle: We Have That! stories, they are also very aware that competitors are literally at your fingertips. So here are 10 reasons to consider shopping in person instead of/in addition to online:

#1 – Super-cute shops, great personalities

Shopping alone in your pajamas has its benefits, but there’s nothing like the personal connection you get in a boutique. Independent local retailers are your neighbors and they really know their stuff. They’ll answer your questions, serve as your personal shopper, tell you about the latest trends and offer a second opinion whenever you need one.

#2 – Seeing is believing

Read More

Followup: Inside The Bridge as it prepares to open new location

(MONDAY UPDATE: Jenny at The Bridge now says the new location opens THURSDAY at 5 pm)

The dilapidated exterior of 6301 California SW is now a memory, but the old Chuck and Sally’s Tavern sign lives on in the back of the building’s new incarnation as The Bridge. With it are two of the co-proprietors, Trevor Garand and Rita Dixson, in their Seahawks gear because they opened the new place to invitees for this afternoon’s game.

You should be able to watch the NEXT Seahawks game there, because they’re expecting to officially open on Friday (December 13th) Thursday 12/12.

The site is returning to life as a business for the first time since August 2007, when it abruptly closed, initially, as reported here in September of that year, with just a sign mentioning cooler problems. A “For Lease” sign went up in early 2011, but it continued to idle as a vandalized eyesore. Then this past May, as first reported here, Rita, Trevor, and partners Jenny Almukhtar and Ahmed Almukhtar signed a lease and confirmed The Bridge would renovate and move into the building. Its original building near 35th and Avalon, closed last week, is scheduled for demolition when a six-story, 160-unit, 162-parking-space mixed-use building goes up.

Who wants to sell marijuana? First West Seattle retail application

Thanks to Mike for the tip: The state’s second weekly list of recreational-marijuana business applicants (linked from this page) includes the first application for a retail location in West Seattle, for A Green Life, at 5435 California SW, same site as the storefront that’s been home to several medical-marijuana outlets in the past few years.

There are also two additional West Seattle filings for marijuana-growing licenses – Northwest Medicinal at 5420 26th SW and R&B Group at 3601 W. Marginal Way SW, same address as the Evergreen Herbal application reported here last week; R&B is also seeking a processor license. The state is midway through a one-month period of accepting applications from those wishing to become involved in the recreational-marijuana industry enabled by voters’ passage last year of Initiative 502. Next list is due out next Tuesday.

West Seattle Saturday highlights list #2: Special shopping day at independent local businesses

North to south, you’ll find shopping specials at many independent local businesses today. But don’t just make it a one-day thing, because all season long:

The WSB West Seattle Holiday Events and Info Guide includes a standing invitation for local businesses to let us know about their shopping events – open houses throughout the season, as well as this special day. Here’s what we’ve received word of for today, north to south – lots more out there, we’re sure, so if YOUR West Seattle business has something special going today, please let us know ASAP!

ADMIRAL DISTRICT

Various Admiral merchants: On behalf of his shop and fellow merchants in The Admiral District, Stu Hennessey (photo above) from Alki Bike and Board sent this roundup for today:

A variety of offers and events are happening, like West Seattle Fabric Co.‘s (2210 California SW) effort to bring the holidays back home with discounts on fabric bundles, make-and-take sewing demos, and a discount on sewing kits. They are also offering a 5% discount for nonperishable food donations. The B-Full Salon (2609 California SW) is offering gift certificates for a variety of relaxation services at 20% off.

The Atomic Boys retro toy store (4311 SW Admiral Way; proprietors Parris and Kent Sadow, photo above) is covering the tax on every purchase as well as giving away their tote bags (while supplies last) with a $50 or more purchase. Alki Bike and Board (2606 California SW) has a variety of products on discount and will be serving healthy refreshments during the day. Stop in to warm up with some hot drinks. Speaking of drinks, The Cask (2350 California SW) is offering $4 draft drinks all day.

Other businesses are signed up for the big day including Mind Unwind art gallery (photo above).

BETWEEN ADMIRAL AND ALASKA JUNCTIONS

White Crane Wellness: Massage gift certificates on sale noon-4 pm; handmade wreaths on sale to benefit Pathfinder K-8 environmental-education programs. Free mugs, coffee, tea, cookies. (3435 California SW)

Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor): Anniversary sale, as detailed here. (3916 California SW)

THE JUNCTION

(Firefly proprietor Charell Estby; WSB photo taken today)
Firefly Café and Creperie: Firefly is celebrating its first anniversary! $1 for 8 or 12 oz lattes all day, free drip coffee, free apple cider with tangerine ginger for the kids, balloon artist 10 am-noon. (NE corner of California/Genesee)

(West Seattle Cyclery proprietor Brad Loetel; WSB photo taken today)
West Seattle Cyclery (WSB sponsor): Sale today – everything is 25% off, and 2013 closeout bikes are an additional 10% off. (4508 California SW)

(Fleurt’s holiday decor; WSB photo taken today)
Fleurt (WSB sponsor): Make a purchase between 10:30 am and 4:30 pm today and get a rose! (4536 California SW)

(WSB photo: Click! early this afternoon)
Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor): Sale/trunk show/launch for Sarah Loertscher Jewelry; details here.(4540 California SW)

BETWEEN ALASKA AND MORGAN JUNCTIONS

M3 Bodyworks (WSB sponsor): One-day sale – gift-certificate deals! Buy online here. (5236 California SW)

(added) Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor): Until 2 pm, retail deals, listed here. (5619 California SW)

MORGAN JUNCTION

Second Gear Sports: From Second Gear Sports: Extended hours, free coffee and treats, $5 off a $25 purchase and $15 off $75 or more. Seahawks-themed gift items, among other things. (6529 California SW)

ALSO TODAY

Duwamish Longhouse Native Gift Fair: Day 2 of vendors offering Native-created crafts, art, jewelry, clothing, and more at the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center in West Seattle, until 4:30 pm. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

West Seattle holiday shopping: Happy 1st anniversary, Thunder Road Guitars!

As holiday-shopping season began around West Seattle on Friday, this was the most unique scene we came across — Santa Claus rocking out, guitar and all. The jolly ol’ soul was outside a one-of-a-kind West Seattle business, Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor), where this weekend marks the first anniversary of proprietor Frank Gross‘s bricks-and-mortar storefront:

Today is the second day of Thunder Road’s three-day anniversary sale – details in our calendar listing. The shop at 3916 California SW is open today 10 am-6:30 pm.

SIDE NOTE: Find other businesses’ special deals for today in the WSB Holiday Guide and our forthcoming West Seattle Saturday highlights.

Ex-Allstar Fitness bankruptcy: Newly mailed notices NOT related to current ownership

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Some confusion tonight regarding notices sent to past/present members of the former Allstar Fitness club at 2629 SW Andover in North Delridge.

We’ve heard from three people so far who received the notices in postal mail today and assumed they have something to do with current concerns at what has since last March been West Seattle Athletic Club.

The new notices do NOT have anything to do with current ownership.

They are part of the pre-existing bankruptcy proceedings for West Seattle Fitness, the official name of the ownership from the club was Allstar Fitness. You might recall that back before the club was sold to its current ownership, the previous ownership had been going through bankruptcy proceedings (here’s our coverage archive, newest to oldest) and there was some discussion of when members should get notices regarding those proceedings. According to images of the court documents in the new notices, they relate to a hearing December 20th on setting the amounts to be paid to people involved with those bankruptcy proceedings, including the trustee who for a time oversaw the former Allstar Fitness, and lawyers. The notices invite recipients to respond, and note that if no responses are received, the motions might be granted without a hearing.

We just checked the online file for that pre-existing bankruptcy case involving the prior owners, and that appears to be all that is going on (although we urge you to review anything you receive for you reading any legal-type notices you receive.

Separately, after a flurry of e-mails from members in recent days, we have been checking on the situation with the club under current ownership.

Read More

West Seattle scene: Sign time for The Bridge’s new location

10:27 AM: Perfect day to put up a sign! That’s what a crew from City Lights Sign Company is doing this morning at the new location of The Bridge at California/Graham, where six months of renovation work have made the old Chuck and Sally’s exterior a distant memory. Next Monday (December 2nd) – featuring the Seahawks on Monday Night Football – is the final day/night of operation at The Bridge’s current location at 4439 35th SW, making way for a 150+-apartment mixed-use development, and they’re inviting patrons and friends present and past to commemorate the closure with a group photo, set for 3 pm Sunday (December 1st). No exact date set for opening the new location but The Bridge’s Jenny Almukhtar describes it as “shortly after” the old one closes.

12:37 PM UPDATE: Went back for an “after” shot:

P.S. Back at the current location, per Jenny: “Starting today, we are offering an Open-Faced Turkey Sandwich with cranberry cream cheese, piled high with mashed potatoes, stuffing & gravy. Served with a side of green-bean casserole or a traditional Turkey Dinner with all the aforementioned sides, gobble, gobble. While supplies last!”