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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

(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.

(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.

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

(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.

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.

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.

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!”

As the state gets closer to granting its first marijuana-selling licenses, it’s just published its first list of who’s seeking them. Reviewing the list for local applicants, here’s what we found: So far, no West Seattle applicants for a marijuana-retailer license; no West Seattle applicants for a marijuana-processor license, though there’s one in nearby Shorewood (Going Green, 2525 SW 102nd Lane); one West Seattle applicant for a marijuana-producer license, Evergreen Herbal, in the Riverside area at 3601 W. Marginal Way SW, seeking a Tier 3 license – described as “10,000 to 30,000 square feet of plant canopy.” The state says it will update this list weekly during the one-month application period, which ends on December 19th (more info here).

Just in from the city, news of potential interest to our fellow small businesses:

Next fall when businesses in the region’s four largest cities want to get a local business license or need pay their local business and occupation taxes, they’ll be able to do it through FileLocal™. That’s the new name given to a multicity business license and tax portal that will provide cost savings for businesses, reduce administrative costs for cities and improve access to local license and tax information. Along with the new name there is a website, www.FileLocal.org, to provide businesses information about the upcoming portal.

Read More

(Photo courtesy Green Rubino)
West Seattle-based entrepreneurs Elise Lindborg and Kelli Henderson will be in “the other Washington” later this week to accept a national award. Here’s the news release we received about how the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce will be honoring them:

Elise Lindborg and Kelli Henderson, leaders of ZippyDogs, a Seattle-based supplier of Made in USA and eco-friendly promotional products, will travel to Washington, D.C. on November 22 to be honored at the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) National Dinner. This black-tie gala is dedicated to celebrating leading LGBT business owners and entrepreneurs, corporations and supplier diversity advocates, as well as government and community leaders. From a competitive field of applicants, ZippyDogs was selected as LGBT Supplier of the Year.

The LGBT Supplier of the Year award recognizes an exemplary certified LGBT Business Enterprise® (LGBTBE®) for their outstanding achievement and contribution to the development of LGBT supplier diversity. ZippyDogs assists companies to market their business through the creative use of eco-friendly and Made in USA promotional products. Earlier this year, ZippyDogs customers responded with overwhelming satisfaction to a service survey and described the company as innovative, responsive, reliable, friendly, and “off the leash.” ZippyDogs is led by “Top Dog” Elise Lindborg and “Chili Dog” Kelli Henderson, who both attribute their company’s growth in part due to the NGLCC’s Supplier Diversity Initiative.

“The NGLCC has been pivotal to the success of ZippyDogs, and that makes this award extra special to us,” says Elise Lindborg. “Not only do we provide products that we are proud to sell to our clients, we take every opportunity to educate our customers about eco-friendly, Made in USA products, and supplier diversity. If we can help influence companies into this forward-thinking model of business, then we can wag our tails at the end of the day.” ZippyDogs has been in business since 2000; however, the last three years have seen sustained growth for ZippyDogs. Since purchasing their World Headquarters and becoming a LGBT certified business in 2010, they have hired two employees, won two government contracts, they are on par to make 2013 their best year in business yet.

The “World HQ” is in the north Morgan Junction area, as reported here when they celebrated its opening.