(Remodeling under way inside Bamboo, which provided the photo)
After a rocky summer, Alki’s Bamboo Bar and Grill is closed most of this week, to reopen Friday, and is announcing new, local ownership. Two months ago, after a shooting outside, its management – then-ownership wasn’t present – called a community meeting to answer questions and make promises (WSB coverage here). Today, they’ve sent a news release saying they’re keeping the promises they made.

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The 3916 California SW storefront recently vacated by Olivia’s Consignment for Kids (now at 4140 California SW) won’t be empty for long. Frank Gross of Thunder Road Guitars (left) just announced he’s chosen it for the first showroom of his till-now online-only vintage/used-guitars business. Just last month, when Thunder Road co-presented a guitar show/sale at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), we mentioned he was looking for a storefront – and now he’s found it. Frank tells WSB he’s hoping to be open at 3916 California by mid-November; hours will be Wednesdays-Saturdays, 10 am-6 pm, by appointment Sundays-Tuesdays. Find out more on the Thunder Road website, here.

Congratulations to Matt Vaughan, owner of West Seattle-founded Easy Street Records, for winning King County’s “Small Business of the Year” award, presented by County Executive Dow Constantine at a celebration in Bellevue this week. We stopped by Easy Street in The Junction to photograph and talk with Vaughan afterward; he said the honor is “humbling” and means a lot coming from fellow West Seattleite Constantine. He also told us he was surprised – because one of the other two finalists is a cupcake company, and, well, “everybody loves cupcakes.” (We would have to point out here that everyone loves music, too.) Read the official county announcement of winners and runners-up, after the jump (including the “exporting” winner, Enprecis, a downtown-based company which we are told has four West Seattleites on its team):

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We reported two days ago that the long-closed, then sold and rebranded, gas station at Fauntleroy/Alaska, now Fauntleroy Shell (4580 Fauntleroy Way SW), could open as soon as today if tech work was complete. We stopped by a little while ago to check – the store and mini-mart are open. The station had been closed more than a year, since shutting down in the middle of what had been a rebranding from 76 to Arco.

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

Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Dinosaur Takeout, a West Seattle-based meal delivery service that brings ready-to-cook meals directly to your home or office. Here’s what its owners want to share with you about their business:

Owners Jeff Robbins and Brian Fraley have lived in Seattle for the past two decades. Currently they’re based in a commercial kitchen near the YMCA and deliver to West Seattle, Downtown, and surrounding neighborhoods. Their freshly prepped, ready-to-cook meal kits include customer favorites like Mustard-Glazed Salmon, Orange Piccata Chicken, Sausage & White Bean Stew, and Peppercorn Tofu.

Jeff says, “When developing the business, I asked myself, ‘How can I eliminate the time-consuming steps of planning, shopping, and prepping and still achieve the satisfying experience of preparing a fresh, home-cooked meal for myself, my family, and my friends without sacrificing quality or paying too much?’ That is when Dinosaur Takeout was born. I began creating new dishes and adapting classic recipes in a way that uses simple 3-step cooking instructions and a shorter, more convenient preparation time, usually around 20 minutes from the box to the table. Everything is chopped, mixed, and measured; the sauces are blended perfectly and delivered raw, the meat and poultry are obtained from local and reputable farmers, even our tofu is made fresh here in Seattle, and all the ingredients for a complete meal are packaged in a convenient, single, refrigerated box. It’s designed for single folks or couples, regardless of cooking skills, as well as experienced chefs and families who just want a night off.”

Brian adds, “People are always excited about getting new meals each week. Our menu changes weekly so there’s always something different. One of our clients said he feels like a celebrity chef on a TV cooking show because all his ingredients are chopped and ready to go. Enthusiastic feedback like that really makes us excited to keep inventing new ways for people to experience the fun of cooking.”

Dinosaur Takeout offers discounted monthly subscription plans in addition to their regular online ordering system. “Just drop us a line at info@dinosaurtakeout.com and say ‘I want to subscribe!'” says Jeff. “We’ll get back to you ASAP, answer your questions, and work out a subscription plan just for you. And remember, subscription plans make great gifts too!”

You can get more information via Dinosaur Takeout‘s ‘How It Works‘ page.

We thank Dinosaur Takeout 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.

We’re welcoming Niederberger Contracting Ltd. as a new WSB sponsor today! Here’s what they would like you to know about their business:

As Seattle General Contractors for more than 17 years, Niederberger Contracting brings experienced, reliable professionals to your residential remodeling, home building and commercial improvement projects. We provide top quality construction services — from solid in-house framing specialists to artisian woodworkers and tile designers who have worked with us for years. Niederberger Contracting has earned a reputation for accountability and integrity by consistently exceeding customers’ expectations. Our relationship with customers is based on open communication and respect for our agreements. Clients appreciate our level of detail and dedication. The greatest testament to this relationship is that our clients recommend Niederberger Contracting to their family and friends and call on us again for their additional projects.

Call us to discuss your upcoming residential remodel or commercial improvement project. We offer a complimentary initial consultation and look forward to answering your questions about our building process. Let’s turn your conceptual ideas and drawings into a reality!

Niederberger Contracting is a local West Seattle company – brothers Josh and Seth Niederberger are West Seattleites active in supporting their community through school involvement, sponsorships, and coaching. Niederberger Contracting hosts “Junior Carpenters Workshop” at Alki Bathhouse where kids participate in projects to build tool boxes, birdhouses and more. the team at Niederberger Contracting also support Seattle organizations such as YouthCare and the Ronald McDonald House. You can reach them by phone or e-mail.

We thank Niederberger Contracting 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.

For those tracking the medical-marijuana business in West Seattle – another dispensary opened this weekend, weeks before a statewide vote might change the way marijuana is bought and sold: We’ve lost count of the dispensaries in West Seattle but got a tip about Greenlight Care Center, in the former Dollarwise building at 9211 Delridge Way SW. We photographed its signage on Friday and noticed an added “open” sign late today. It’s one of four within a few blocks of each other on Delridge and on 16th, both sides of the city/county line. And it opens as city leaders start a push for new rules regulating medical-marijuana businesses, even as state Initiative 502 goes before voters in four weeks. (Our news partners at The Seattle Times took a look at the medical-marijuana business citywide in this story published today.)

(Photos by WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand)
Though Stitch & Sew Studio – the new southern sibling of West Seattle Fabric Company – doesn’t formally open until an open house next weekend (more on that shortly), proprietor Monica Skov opened the doors today for its first group event, a general meeting of the Seattle Modern Quilt Guild, followed by their sew-in.

While the quilters brought their own machines, Monica says the studio’s own machines are arriving within days. We first told you two months ago about her plan for the former Emerald Spiral space – not a retail outlet to duplicate WSFC headquarters at 2210 California SW in The Admiral District, but instead a comfortable space for classes, sew-ins, and other events. (“Not fussy,” as Monica puts it.)

The back section of the studio space north of Morgan Junction has a cozy living-room feel. And it’s where you’ll find the entrance to a restroom that is, as Monica promised it would be, fabulous – plum walls, art, and a chandelier!

Also in the back, there’s a lighting fixture that looks custom, though Monica reveals it’s from IKEA:

Out front, the studio’s facade is topped by a color scheme you will recognize from the front of the WSFC store:

But – aside from looking at the faces of the quilters who were there today – you can’t see the most important features: The fact that Stitch & Sew Studio is intended as a “happy, positive” place for activities, events, and education. Not just for sewing/quilting experts, Monica stresses – they’ll have something for everyone, beginners through experts (the quilters there today included many of the latter, such as West Seattle-based Emily Cier – check out her books on the right sidebar of her site).

The open house next weekend is set for 11 am-4 pm Saturday, October 13th, and noon-3 pm Sunday, October 14th. Monica has set up a new Facebook page just for Stitch & Sew Studio (which is at 5910 California SW) – you can “like” it here (as well as checking out Monica’s own photos of the S&S Studio transformation).

If you drive along the central stretch of Fauntleroy Way SW, between The Triangle and Morgan Junction, you probably have seen the big green “Free Range Mercantile” bus that’s been parked outside an old commercial building. We published a story about it three months ago, shortly after it turned up. Today – your chance to get a look inside:

That’s Mary Summers, FRM proprietor, who’s presiding over an open house till 5 this afternoon. Stop by, take a look inside to see the mobile store she’s put together and what kind of merchandise Mary (formerly of CAPERS) is stocking – 5908 Fauntleroy Way SW.

Received this too late to include in the roundup of West Seattle business notes we published earlier, but it’s somewhat time-sensitive, and you might be able to help, so here it is:

Restita DeJesus and Seattle Wushu Center are moving out of their studio space (located at California and Juneau). We will be holding classes in other locations in the West Seattle area until we find a permanent location. Awaiting to hear back from a few places, preferably Kenyon Hall. We’re looking at renting floor space for 3 or 4 hours per evening Mondays thru Saturdays.

Individuals interested in our Tai Chi, Kung Fu/Self Defense, or Filipino Martial arts classes may call Restita DeJesus (206) 229-4774 or e-mail seattlewushu@gmail.com. Community members who know of or own affordable evening floor space to rent for the longtime members of our kids’ and adult classes, may contact Restita as well.

Four West Seattle business notes:

BARTELL DRUGS HQ SIGN UP: Thanks to Sam for the tip. We think this is the first corporate name on the outside of West Seattle Corporate Center since Services Group of America moved its HQ. Last time we checked with Bartell – whose move was first reported here August 7th – they were expecting to move 100 or so corporate employees here by the end of this month.

Another sign of note:

OLIVIA’S OPENS IN NEW HOME TOMORROW: There will be a consignment consortium of sorts on the north edge of The Junction as of tomorrow. That’s when Olivia’s Consignment for Kids expects to open its new location at 4140 California SW, next to Cherry Consignment. Olivia’s had been at the south edge of the Admiral District.

ZATZ COLORING CONTEST – WITH FREEBIE! Jesse from Zatz A Better Bagel (WSB sponsor) just sent us heads-up about a coloring contest that’s under way at the Admiral District store and continues till this month’s West Seattle Art Walk on October 11th: “It is open to kids ages 1-10 and when they submit their coloring page they get a free bagel card good for 1 bagel free with any purchase. We will choose winners at Art Walk on the 11th. The winning prize is a $25 gift card to Zatz. No purchase is necessary to enter. We will be displaying the colored pages inside our bakery lobby so kids can come back and see their artwork.” Zatz is at 2348 California SW.

BODYLIFE CONDITIONING: You might remember Jill Pagano from NiaDivas, which she ran from Youngstown Cultural Arts Center for almost six years. Now she has expanded her business to a “permanent commercial location just north of C & P Coffee” (WSB sponsor), at 5432 California SW. It’s called BodyLife Conditioning – and her remodeling work there has included heated floors (“just like our feet to be comfortable,” Jill says). She’s offering a mix of “holistic exercise that brings people’s bodies to life.” And they’re planning a grand-opening event 9 am-2 pm October 13th.

Want one of those T-shirts, free? Stop by West Seattle Autoworks (35th and Webster) before they close tonight, wish them happy 2nd anniversary (they opened 10/1/2010), and tell them you heard about it here on WSB. WS Autoworks co-owner Todd Ainsworth says, “We couldn’t organize a formal party, but would like to thank West Seattle and all of our great customers for making year #2 even better than year #1. We’re so proud to be able to be part of the West Seattle business community after living here nearly all of my life, and we are happy to be serving some of the best customers I have ever worked with!”

As WS Autoworks enters year three, we asked Todd what’s new. For one, he says, “a program that we offer now that provides a year of roadside assistance when the vehicle is serviced at our shop (at no extra charge to the customer) and the fact we have loaner cars available.” He adds that they now offer gift cards: “We think it’s a good way for parents to make sure their young drivers will always have a way to take care of the car (without giving them cash!).” They’ve also added two more employees, and are enjoying the opportunity for lots of community involvement, too – co-sponsoring the West Seattle Junction Car Show again this year as well as involvement with organizations including the West Seattle YMCA (also a WSB sponsor) and West Seattle Little League. Congratulations, West Seattle Autoworks!

Full Tilt Ice Cream proprietor Justin Cline sends word that pre-packed pints of FT are about to go on sale at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor)! Starting next week, he says, Thriftway (California/Fauntleroy/Morgan) will be selling 12 flavors of Full Tilt – vanilla, salted caramel, übe, green-tea chip, Thai iced tea, backyard-mint chip, dark chocolate, Mexican chocolate, huckleberry chip, lavender, peanut butter and jelly, and strawberry basil. P.S. Justin tells us this is Full Tilt’s first retailer in West Seattle!

By Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Because working on a master’s degree in post-Katrina New Orleans and being pregnant with a third child while raising twins wasn’t quite enough to keep Gretchen Williamson-Evans occupied, she decided to move to the Northwest and start a business … selling fully cooked, frozen organic grains.

They’re now arriving in local stores, packaged as Gretchen’s Grains.

The idea of having those staples available for easy use started in the Evans’ kitchen in New Orleans, while Gretchen was working on her Master’s and husband Bill Evans was operating his flight-training school.

Gretchen wanted the ease of eating the grain-and-vegetable salads featured in the healthier delis, but didn’t want to pay the deli prices, so she made grains in advance and froze them. Friends and family began requesting packages of the cooked quinoa, brown rice and wheat berries for themselves, and the couple recognized a niche market.

They did some research and realized “the whole-grain market was exploding,” says Gretchen. “We decided to throw our whole weight into it.”

The decision was the easy part.

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West Seattle-founded Easy Street Records is a finalist for one of the second annual Small Business Awards to be announced by King County Executive Dow Constantine next month. The county just sent the list of finalists, and Easy Street is one of three up for Small Business of the Year. So far as we can tell, none of the other 40-plus nominees is from this area – you can see the full list on the county website. The award ceremony is October 10th in Bellevue.

Continuing the trend of founded-elsewhere-in-Seattle mini-chains finding their way to West Seattle, we’ve confirmed that Rudy’s Barbershop is planning a West Seattle location. Since getting asked about that “rumor” this morning, we confirmed with a company spokesperson that – as is noted on this page of the Rudy’s website – a West Seattle shop is on the way. But she said she couldn’t release any other details yet – maybe before month’s end. The “rumor” question mentioned one possible location, so we checked with its owner, who told us he couldn’t discuss forthcoming plans for his space, either. The 10-minute video above (found on their website but coded for embedding anywhere) tells the tale of Rudy’s, founded on Capitol Hill in the early 1990s by three guys – none named Rudy – now with 16 of its funky/quirky walk-in shops in four states, and the 17th to open later this month in Redmond (where a news story cites January 2013 as the WS opening date). More info as we get it!

The city’s new rules about employer-paid sick leave and safe time are about to take effect, so the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce is co-sponsoring a workshop to help businesses be sure they’re in compliance. It’s next Tuesday (August 28th), 5:30-7 pm at Neighborhood House‘s High Point Center (6400 Sylvan Way SW). The workshop is free but the Chamber requests that you pre-register – you can use this link to do that online right now, or call 206-932-5685. (If you’re not sure whether the new law applies to your business – the city offers lots of info here.)