I’m working on the top Biz stories for 2009 and for the past 10 years in Whatcom County . If you have some thoughts on this, post a comment here or send me an e-mail: dave.gallagher@bellinghamherald.com. Thanks!
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I think the change of the retail space east of Guide Meridian, across from Bellis Fair mall was a significant change this decade. When Joe’s Sports left this spring, and Toys-R-Us left a couple years before, and The Good Guys before that yet, it left somewhat of a “big box graveyard” in that part of Bellingham. The Shop Local movement grew rapidly during this same time period (Sustainable Connections) – not to say that this put those big box stores out – but nonetheless Bellingham is left with an ugly sore of unfilled big box stores.
Thankfully DeWaard and Bode moved in to the Circuit City location soon after they left – of course, close to the now defunct Linens ‘n Things, and Boaters World. A big change from a decade ago in the same part of town, when contractors were building even more new giant buildings.
For the decade: house flipping. A well worn topic, but so many people got into it at some level and made money. Some lost money, too, but that’s business for ya.
Maybe the opening and closing of restaurant’s is not a “top story” of the decade, as turnover in that industry is pretty high. But there sure were a lot of closures in Whatcom over the last 10 years: and many of them were long time businesses in the community, such as Boss Tweed, Hizzoner’s Deli, Black Angus, The Keg, the Calumet, and Stanello’s. I can’t remember how long the Donut Kitchen operated, but it seemed like forever; but on the positive side the Black Drop opened up and is one of the best coffee shops in town. Prospect Street Cafe opened up where Wild Garlic used to be, and serves some of the best meals in town. As well, a personal favorite, the Shrimp Shack returned (in a new location)!! Mexican Village Cafe, under the iconic Orange Crush sign on State Street, closed its doors (I guess in 1999, so just outside this decade). Casa Que Pasa closed, but was able to reopen under new ownership. Carol’s Coffee Cup closed after some 27 years, but then reopened for a while as Carol’s Girls Cafe. Another long-time icon, Grant’s Diner, closed in Ferndale but recently reopened as Grant’s Burgers and seems to be doing well. I’m sure there are plenty more that I’m overlooking.
Thanks for the suggestions… At some point I probably will tackle the decade of housing locally, trying to figure out how much flipping was taking place. If I remember correctly, the Buy Local movement did start around 2000, and I would think Meridian Village and that area will continue to make news this year.
Wow, that was a trip down restaurant memory lane, David. That might make a good column idea. Thanks!
Hey just wondering how you went aout setting up your design etc. I’m fairly new to the whole internet thing, Was the software easy to install