My Ballard » Business

Umpqua Bank grand opening celebration

Geeky Swedes — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:59:21 +0000

It’s a beautiful day for the Umpqua Bank (2032 NW Market St) grand opening celebration. Stop by all day for live music and refreshments from local eateries.

The Other Coast Cafe is providing lunch foods until 2 p.m. and a two-hour happy hour begins at 5:30 p.m. with food from Staple & Fancy, The Hi-Life and food and wine from Savour. Live music by Ryan Jander and Justin Macdonald starts at 5:30.

Umpqua Bank opened a month ago in the former Radio Shack space. (Disclosure: Umpqua Bank is a sponsor of MyBallard.)

Openings and closings on Market Street

Geeky Swedes — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:53:29 +0000

After a decade on Market Street, Cookies, the little niche shop is closing.

The owner, Caryn, tells us she wasn’t given much notice that her lease wouldn’t renewed. “I am sad, but over the shock, and now looking forward to my next adventure. I will miss watching the babies, toddlers and children I have gotten to know grow up. I will miss the dogs that come to visit for scratches and dog cookies as well,” she writes in the forum. Your last day for cookie cutters is Sunday, January 29th.

The Aussie hangout at Green Lake, The Kangaroo and Kiwi Pub, is moving into the old Carnegie Library. MyBallard reader Josh talked to the owner last week and says the new place will have an expanded menu. “I realize I’m going into the heart of Ballard and will need to kick it up a notch,” the owner tells Josh. The pub will take up the entire first floor, where Carnegie’s moved out of last year. The opening of the Kangaroo and Kiwi will be sometime this spring. Josh tells us the hours will be lunch to about 2 a.m. on weekdays and possibly breakfast on the weekends. Of course they will still open for special sporting events. The owner still isn’t sure if he’ll close the current location on Green Lake, but probably.

Blockbuster on 15th Ave NW is closing

Geeky Swedes — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:26:50 +0000

It’s really no surprise that the Blockbuster at 5900 15th Ave NW is closing. With on-demand movies, Netflix, iTunes and Red Box, fewer people are actually going to the video store to get movies.

The store will close the end of February, although a final date hasn’t been decided on. Until then, everything in the store is for sale. This includes, movies, fixtures, office supplies and more.

The discounts get better as the liquidation sale continues. Each Monday prices are slashed deeper. (Thanks Tomas for the tip!)

Zesto’s closed, being replaced by RoRo BBQ

Geeky Swedes — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:48:12 +0000

Another Ballard institution is closed. After 63 years, Zesto’s quietly closed and the new owner is busy getting the place ready to reopen as RoRo BBQ & Burgers.

Zesto’s has sat on the corner of 15th Ave NW and NW 65th since 1948. In recent years Zesto’s has made headlines for failing health inspections. In 2007 the restaurant was closed by the Health Department for having six red violations and the PI reported that Zesto’s had the most health and safety violations in the city.

We spoke with Carson Cox, the nephew of owner Rob Cox, who is busy gutting the kitchen. He says this is RoRo’s third location. They’re already on Stone Way in Fremont/Wallingford (3620 Stone Way N.) and Georgetown (1128 S. Albro Pl.) Carson says they hope to open next month and will keep some of the memorabilia that was in Zesto’s.

A couple of Ballard business tidbits

Geeky Swedes — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:47:06 +0000

Here are a couple of quick business notes for Ballard.

Ballard Brothers Seafood & Burgers (5305 15th Ave. NW) is now serving local beer. Owner Drew Greer tells us that the Washington State Liquor Control Board approved their liquor license just a few days ago. They have three selections of Maritime Pacific beer and Hilliard’s Amber. “More flavors soon to come as well as draft selections in the near future,” Greer says.

Hours at Enlighten Cafe (5424 Ballard Ave NW) are shifting a bit. “We will now be open at 6 am for the early commuting/ coffee drinking crowd and staying open later on Friday and Saturday nights to accompany our music program,” Chris Wilcynski tells us.

Southern transplants open BBQ joint in Ballard

Geeky Swedes — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:47:26 +0000

When friends and former colleagues, Gabe Gagliardi and Mike Dahm moved to Seattle they wanted barbecue. They’re both from the south and craved the southern specialty. They didn’t find any that satisfied their taste buds so they opened their own BBQ joint – The Boar’s Nest (2008 NW 56th St).

Gagliardi is no stranger in the kitchen. He has two decades of restaurant experience and has opened restaurants in the Hamptons and Las Vegas. His culinary education is from Le Cordon Bleu in Chicago. You might also recognize him from a stint on a reality TV show. He was a contestant in season two of Gordon Ramsey’s “Hell’s Kitchen.”

“The Boar’s Nest specializes in Southern Barbecue including pulled pork, baby back ribs, smoked sausage, fried chicken breast and brisket,” Dahm tells us. “All sauces are homemade and represent the major barbecue regions throughout the South.” The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

The Boar’s Nest has been open about two months. If you’ve stopped in, rate it and write a review here.

Get a piece of Thaiku after it closes

Geeky Swedes — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:33:18 +0000

Updated: Although the owners are auctioning off the restaurant belongings, they are still looking to reopen. From a press release we received Wednesday morning – “We are actively looking for a new space and we are hopeful to reopen within a year,” the management says. “We are open to suggestions for a new location and a landlord that understands the commitment of building a community while having the security of a consistent and responsible tenant.”

Earlier: As we wrote earlier this month, Thaiku is closing this Friday, December 23rd.

Some of the decor to be auctioned off.

Next week James G. Murphy will be auctioning off pieces of the decade-old restaurant. On the auction block, according to the auction website, is a huge assortment of Asian decor items, kitchen appliances and furniture.

“I know they’ve said they will come back, but it seems odd to me that they are auctioning off their cool interior items,” Observant writes in the MyBallard forum. “I’m sad to see them go.”

The auction is Thursday, December 29th, 10 a.m. at the restaurant (5410 Ballard Ave NW) with a preview from 8 to 10 a.m.

Ballard businesses open late tonight

Geeky Swedes — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:34:40 +0000

Editor’s note: We will be re-posting this announcement each Thursday in December. The list has been updated since last week with more businesses staying open late.

Many Ballard businesses will stay open late on Thursdays during December, the busy holiday shopping season.

Just look for this sign in the window:

Here are the shop hours for participating retailers:

Open until 6 p.m.
Dish it Up

Open until 7 p.m.
Bikesport
Classic Consignment
Dandelion
Duque Salon + Spa + Boutique
The UPS Store
Velouria

Open until 8 p.m.
Annie’s Art & Frame
Blackbird
Camelion Design
Clover
Cookies
Gift for Life Sample Sale
Gifted
Great Harvest Bakery
Horseshoe
Java Bean
Kavu
Kick It and Ponytail
Laura Bee Designs
Lemon Drop
Lucca
Market Street Shoes
Monster Art & Clothing
Quilting Loft
Re-Soul
Romanza
Savour
Secret Garden Bookshop
Sip & Ship
Tea Cozy Yarn Shop
The Family Pet (by appointment)

Open until 9 p.m.
Filthy Rich
Habitude
La Tienda
Moviecycle
Venue

Open until 10 p.m.
Miro Tea
Sonic Boom

If you are a retailer staying open late on Thursdays and you’re not on this list, please email us.)

Ballard businesses open late Thursdays

Geeky Swedes — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:08:32 +0000

Editor’s note: We will be re-posting this announcement each Thursday in December. The list has been updated since last week with more businesses staying open late.

Many Ballard businesses will stay open late on Thursdays during December, the busy holiday shopping season.

Just look for this sign in the window:

Here are the shop hours for participating retailers:

Open until 6 p.m.
Dish it Up

Open until 7 p.m.
Bikesport
Classic Consignment
Dandelion
Kavu (December 1)
Velouria

Open until 8 p.m.
Annie’s Art & Frame
Blackbird
Camelion Design
Clover
Cookies
Gift for Life Sample Sale
Gifted
Great Harvest Bakery
Horseshoe
Java Bean
Kavu (December 8, 15, 22)
Kick It and Ponytail
La Tienda (December 1, 8)
Laura Bee Designs
Lemon Drop
Lucca
Market Street Shoes
Monster Art & Clothing
Quilting Loft
Re-Soul
Romanza
Savour
Secret Garden Bookshop
Sip & Ship
Tea Cozy Yarn Shop
The Family Pet (by appointment)

Open until 9 p.m.
Filthy Rich
Habitude
La Tienda (December 15, 22)
Moviecycle
Venue

Open until 10 p.m.
Miro Tea
Sonic Boom

If you are a retailer staying open late on Thursdays and you’re not on this list, please email us.)

Ballard Brothers applies for liquor license

Geeky Swedes — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:20:59 +0000

Ballard Brothers (5305 15th Ave. NW) could soon be selling alcohol.

The owner of the restaurant, Drew Greer, recently applied for a liquor license. “Many of our customers requested the addition to complement the kinds of foods we serve,” Greer says. “In listening to our customers we have found that families in Ballard want adult beverage options for the parents during the dinner hours and weekends.”

Greer hopes to be serving beer and wine before the new year.

Emerald City Orchids opening cafe next month

Doree — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:14:23 +0000

Emerald City Orchids, at 716 NW 65th St., is adding a café that will offer espresso and lunch. The café will open in mid-December, but there’s an open house from 3-6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10.

Emerald City Orchids opened in 2008, and moved into its current location in January 2010, which was the former location of Il Giardino Italian Restaurant. The company distributes more than 500 varieties of orchids.

“I want to provide a home for orchid lovers to dwell while creating an atmosphere for everyone else to see what orchids are about,” Owner Joe Grienauer said in a press release. “There is a culture in the flower and garden community. And believe it or not, there is a culture within the orchid community and we’re certain that if you’re going to find it, it’s right here.”

Emerald City Orchids Café will offer a lunch menu of sandwiches and salads from Molly’s Salads, pastries and desserts from Hiroki, and coffee and espresso from Fremont Coffee Company.

Self-serve sweet shop opening soon

Geeky Swedes — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:55:56 +0000

A new sweet shop is getting ready to open on NW Market, in the former Asher Anson space next to Zak’s.

YOZEN is a self-serve frozen yogurt shop and the owners, Geordie Sze and Linda Schetky, hope to open by Thanksgiving. “You control how much yogurt you want, how many flavors, how many toppings and simply pay for your creation by the ounce,” says Schetky. “Making frozen yogurt an affordable luxury for anyone and everyone.”

Once they decided to jump into the frozen yogurt business, Sze and Schetky chose to open in Ballard. “Ballard displays a great sense of strong community spirit through its support of many local charities, schools, sports and businesses,” Schetky says. “This community is rich in tradition hosting many local celebrations throughout the year.”

Ballard Coffee Works opening in old Tully’s space

Geeky Swedes — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:18:07 +0000

The “for lease” sign is out of the window and a major overhaul on the interior is underway at the former Tully’s location in Ballard at 22nd and Market.

Seattle Coffee Works will open their second location in Ballard next spring and call it Ballard Coffee Works. “We want to make it a lot more pleasant,” Owner Sebastian Simsch tells Seattle Met. “The bank hasn’t been swept out of the building.” Simsch is referring to the bank tenant that was there at some point before Tully’s moved in. Simsch hopes the new, friendlier coffee shop will become the community center for the neighborhood. The original location for Seattle Coffee Works is at 107 Pike Street. (Thank you Kathy & Michael for the tip!)

Public auction for 5 Corner Market Bar & Kitchen

Geeky Swedes — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 19:20:23 +0000

Next Wednesday, get your hands on a piece or two of one of Ballard’s shortest-lived restaurants.

James G. Murphy auction house is holding a liquidation auction at the Five Corner Market Bar & Kitchen (2200 NW Market St). Up for grabs are ranges, refrigerators, a pizza oven, tables, chairs, dishes and more. (See the list here.) There will be a preview from 8 to 10 a.m., with the auction starting at 10 o’clock. According to the sign in the window, there are no minimum bids and no items with reserve prices.

Full Tilt Pinball and Ice Cream Parlor grand opening

Geeky Swedes — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:56:31 +0000

Updated: Owner Justin Cline tells us that the health inspector won’t be out until Monday or Tuesday. The tournament will still go on this evening at 6 p.m. with refreshments – no ice cream.

Earlier: The popular pinball and ice cream parlor, Full Tilt, is officially opening in Ballard tomorrow at 5453 Leary Ave NW (just south of NW Market St.)

Known for its natural homemade ice cream and pin ball machines, this is Full Tilt’s fourth location – with other shops in White Center, U District and Columbia City. Although the place looks a bit unorganized at this point and not all the machines have been delivered, the owners plan on opening tomorrow. This will be Full Tilt’s largest location with more seating and 15 pinball machines. They also serve canned and bottled beer, their liquor license doesn’t allow for anything else.

For the grand opening on Friday they are hosting a pinball tournament celebrating the release of the new “Transformers” pinball machine. In fact, Full Tilt will have three of those machines for customers. Party starts at noon.

On Saturday November 12th, bring the kids for a free performance at 3 p.m. by the recently featured The Not-Its.

Going once.. going twice.. sold! at Ballard’s new auction house

Geeky Swedes — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:56:26 +0000

Ballard has a new place to buy and sell items. Jon Bengtsson recently sold his house to be a live aboard and ended up with a lot that won’t fit on the boat. So he’s turning to an old career to get rid of his stuff.

“Ballard Auction Company is a traditional auction house, which means we conduct live auctions with an auctioneer (me) calling bids – 10bid, 15, now 20 is bid, etc.,” Bengstsson tells us. The first few auctions will be items from his own collection, but will move into consignment sales and items bought at estates. “Our focus is going to be antiques, collectibles, art, furniture, vintage toys, rugs, jewelry and general merchandise,” Bengstsson says.

This isn’t his first stint at auctioneering. The 20-year Ballard/Phinney resident had an auction house in Fremont 13 years ago. “I am recycling my most favorite career now that my Ballard Beavers are in college,” he says.

The first auction is this evening at 7 o’clock at 837 NW 49th St. “If we get enough interest and consignments, we will be conducting Wed. night auctions each week, with special and offsite auctions as they come up.”

Sample sale gives life to the old Ballard library

Geeky Swedes — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 22:39:40 +0000

Updated: The store will now be open until January 8th, 2012.

Earlier: Nearly 20 years ago, Diana Park held her first sample sale. Being in the retail industry she saw how many items went unsold so she decided to take advantage of the overstock and raise money for a charity that’s close to her heart.

This year, Park is holding her sample sale in Ballard – at the old library on 24th Ave NW – and hopes to raise $40,000 for the Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids (DIFFA) and Gift for Life. Park sat on the board for DIFFA before realizing that she enjoys being a “doer” more than being a board member.

The old Ballard Library (5711 24th Ave NW), which has sat vacant since Abraxus Books moved out in 2009, is the largest space Park has had in her years of holding this fundraiser.

From the looks of all the boxes, she has plenty of merchandise to fill the shelves. “People give us their left overs and we turn it into money for charity,” Park tells us. The sample sale includes holiday decor, books, gifts, toys and home accessories. Items sold in the front of the space near 24th Avenue NW will be for the non-profit, the items in the back of the store will go toward rent and employee pay.

The store will open November 9th and close December 23rd. It will be open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, when it will be closed.

At the beginning of next year, Park tells us, developers plan to demolish the old building and make way for a new apartment complex called “Ballard West.”

Ballard Blossom’s newest option – beer and wine

Geeky Swedes — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 17:27:38 +0000

Ballard Blossom (1766 NW Market St) is known for its flower arrangements and delivery. Now the longtime business is adding a new item to its offerings – alcohol.

“Our deliveries of gourmet baskets has grown over the years and we thought it would be nice to be able to offer a nice bottle of wine included with the other gourmet and fruit items,” owner Rachel Martin tells us. The license was just granted a couple of weeks ago and they are still in the process of figuring out details. The beer and wine will be for delivery-only, Martin tells us. The liquor license doesn’t allow for someone to come in and walk out with alcohol.

“One of my employees had the idea of a basket with a bottle of champagne, glasses, cheese and crackers that might go along with beautiful arrangement of roses for an anniversary!” Martin says. “We also have plans to do a ‘game day’ basket that would include micro-brews and snack items like chips, nuts, popcorn etc!”

Martin hopes to have everything ready to go by Thanksgiving.

Scottish pub to replace Harlow’s on Ballard Ave.

Geeky Swedes — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:29:37 +0000

The owners of Bastille have reportedly purchased the building Harlow’s was in and plans to open a Scottish pub.

According to SeattleMet.com, Deming Maclise and James Weimann will soon open Macleod’s Scottish Pub (5200 Ballard Ave).

“The new bar is named for Allen Macleod, a friend of Weimann and Maclise’s who painted both of their restaurants,” writes Jessica Voelker in the article. “The rep [of Weimann and Maclisse] says Allen is from Edinburgh, Scotland where he was a bartender. He’ll be the owner and operator; Weimann and Maclise will take charge of the concept and design but consider themselves silent partners.”

New chocolate shop opens on NW 65th

Doree — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:00:35 +0000

Chocolat Vitale has opened its first retail shop on the corner of NW 65th Street and 3rd Avenue NW. The store opened Thursday morning as part of its “soft opening.”

Chocolat Vitale has long sold its signature European-style, thick hot chocolate and other treats at other local retailers, and online.

The shop will sell fresh confections made by several local chocolatiers; Velton’s Coffee beans from Everett; chocolate bars, mint flower and cherry blossom honeys, and honey caramels from Forte Artisan Chocolates out of Stanwood; chocolate bars from Antica Dolceria Bonajuto, the oldest chocolate maker in Sicily; Xocolati de David chocolates from Portland; soaps, lotions and lip balms scented with chocolate; tea sets; and a variety of beautiful silk, Batik and wool scarves.

Co-owners Janet Eicher, her husband Cam Johnston, and Eicher’s sister, Carol Eicher, also plan to hold events in their spacious store, including chocolate and tea tastings, coffee cuppings, and regular movie nights using their 16mm projector.

Chocolat Vitale, 6257 3rd Ave. NW., will be open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, and 12-5 p.m. Sunday. (Thanks Michael for the tip!)

Bad Albert’s: ‘We’re BACK!!!!!!!”

Geeky Swedes — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 19:40:14 +0000

Bad Albert’s is back! Well, almost.

The sign in the window says it all: “Bad Albert’s Re-Opening Soon!” The Facebook page has also been updated with “We’re BACK!!!!!!!” Although the sign goes on to send people to their website for more information, there aren’t anymore details. The phone number on the site is disconnected and no one was there when we stopped by. We’ll post more when we learn more.

Bad Albert’s closed in July. Former owner Steve Katsandres said a combination of the economy and health issues forced him to make the tough decision. (Thanks Heather for the tip!)

Local meat delivery comes back to Ballard

Geeky Swedes — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 17:35:12 +0000

Ballard used to have a meat-buying club, until Thundering Hooves ceased operations earlier this year. Now, former employees of Thundering Hooves have joined with Ballard native Keith Swanson to start a new company called Blue Valley Meats.

Keith Swanson delivering meat for Thundering Hooves in 2009

“Just like Thundering Hooves, Blue Valley Meats operates a farm and butcher shop in Walla Walla, where it processes 100-percent grass-fed meats and then partners with Puget Sound area families and businesses to create neighborhood delivery sites for these products,” Swanson says.

Ray’s Boathouse has agreed to let Blue Valley Meats make deliveries in their parking lot every Friday morning. Blue Valley Meats also deliver to nearby neighborhoods like Phinney Ridge, Queen Anne, Magnolia as well as other parts of the state and Portland.

Ballard Ave business relocating after three decades

Geeky Swedes — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 22:18:57 +0000

After more than three decades on Ballard Avenue, Sutter Home & Hearth (5333 Ballard Ave NW) is relocating to another Ballard location.

Photo from Google Maps

“After 32 years here we are going to miss Ballard Ave, but we also know it’s time for a change,” owner John Miner says. “Ballard avenue isn’t really suited for our kind of business.”

The new, larger location for Sutter Home & Hearth.

Miner and fellow owner Mike Duval have found a space at 920 NW Leary Way that will have a larger showroom and ample parking. The space, Miner says, will have “better access for people who have to take big objects home.”

Sutter Home & Hearth will be moving during the month of August and plan to stay open during the move, although they might have to close for a day or two toward the end of the month. Once they’re all moved in, Miner says they plan to throw a grand re-opening party. (Thanks Emily for the tip!)

Umpqua Bank opening in Ballard

Geeky Swedes — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:28:55 +0000

Umpqua Bank is planning to open a Ballard branch in the space formerly occupied by Radio Shack on Market Street.

The new branch on Queen Anne.

Eve Callahan, Senior Vice President of Umpqua Bank tells us that this is one of five new locations still to open this year. Other branches are in Magnolia, Phinney Ridge, Roosevelt Square and West Seattle. This is in addition to the Queen Anne branch that opened last week.

Callahan says their banks are different than a traditional bank. “We design them as engaging community hubs, comfortable spaces where neighbors can learn about what’s happening, share news and information, and gather for events ranging from small business or non-profit meetings to kid movie nights and valentine crafts,” she says. “In addition, we take our commitment to our communities very seriously, and provide every associate with up to 40 hours of paid time off each year to volunteer in their community.”

The Ballard branch is expected to open sometime in the fourth quarter of this year.

Canto Barcelona heading to Capitol Hill

Geeky Swedes — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 17:07:07 +0000

Less than two years after opening in Ballard, Canto Barcelona (formerly Encanto Barcelona) at 5423 Ballard Ave is closing up shop and moving to another neighborhood.

“We are moving to Capitol Hill,” store manager Jessica Woehrlin tells us. “Still scoping out a space, and we are working on getting our retail website up and rolling.”

Before the doors close within the next month, everything in the store is 50-percent off, including already marked down items. “This means $5 tees, jeans from $15, crazy value!” their blog states.

Canto Barcelona opened in October 2009 after five years downtown.

Sunny Teriyaki to reopen

Geeky Swedes — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:37:52 +0000

Sunny Teriyaki (2021 NW Market, although the door is on Leary Ave), which closed last month, is reopening under new management.

Joel sent us this photo. We don’t know when the new owners plan to re-open Sunny’s.

Picolinos adds ‘Pico Deli’ featuring freshly-baked bread

Geeky Swedes — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:03:26 +0000

Ristorante Picolinos (6415 32nd. Ave. NW) is adding a delicatessen and bakery to their half-block-long building. Owner Tom Bailiff tells us that “Pico Deli” will offer bread, baked fresh daily on premise in their custom-made Italian baking oven. Manny Barquia, who has been a Master Baker for more than three decades, will oversee the bread making. The deli will also offer artisan cured meats, cheese, fresh made pasta, sauces, grilled panini, Italian & regional wines, olive oil, and all manner of deli specialty items. Bailiff says the deli will open next month. (Disclosure: Picolinos is a sponsor of MyBallard.)

An update on the Ballard restaurant scene

Geeky Swedes — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 21:51:20 +0000

There are a couple restaurant openings and one closing to mention.

The sign in the window of Sunny Teriyaki
Joel emailed us to say that Sunny Teriyaki (2021 NW Market) is out of business. “Just parked at my favorite Ballard teriyaki stop, Sunny Teriyaki, only to be disheartened by this sign.” he writes.

Practically next door, Thai Thani is now open in the old Subway location at the corner of NW Market and Leary Ave.

Up on 15th Ave NW, Burger Hero is replacing Lunchbox Laboratory (7302 1/2 15th Ave NW.) We’ve stopped by several times but no one is ever there. The menu is sitting on the floor waiting to be hung and tools are strewn about, which indicates that they’re not quite ready to open. On the menu they feature “Burger Hero” sandwiches, “Fish Hero” sandwiches and “Chicken Hero” sandwiches – all with superhero-esque names. Prices range from $5.95 for the “Captain USA” to $8.50 for the “Fantastic 4.”

Bitterroot BBQ replacing Acme Rubber Stamp

Geeky Swedes — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 18:27:05 +0000

Ballard is getting a new BBQ joint this fall. The lease is signed on the old Acme Rubber Stamp shop on Ballard Ave by a restaurant called Bitterroot.

From the looks of it (check out their Facebook photos here), the place is gutted and their completely re-building the inside.

A look at their catering menu (.pdf) features:
Northwest Smoked Meats using local apple wood

Whole smoked and roasted chicken

Slow Smoked Pulled Pork

Apple wood smoked Baby Back ribs

Hot Links

Braised Beef Brisket

Fresh ground hamburgers (veggie patties included)

Keep up-to-date with their progress on their Facebook page. (Thanks Kurt for the tip!)

Ballard Organics is closing

Geeky Swedes — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 16:31:31 +0000

Updated: After six years, Ballard Organics is closing. The owner, Ben Busby-Collins, sent us the following email and posted this notice on their Facebook page:

Ballard Organics will be closing doors at the end of this week. Unfortunately we’ve been hit hard by slowing sales, rising material costs as well as some other factors. I started Ballard Organics with the intention of making the best soaps possible. It’s been incredibly rewarding to build the company from scratch and develop such a loyal customer base who’ve ranked Ballard Soaps as one of their favorites.

We will be having a clearance sale on Saturday the 16th and Sunday the 17th. Prices will be highly discounted. On Tuesday July 12th I will post a list of what soaps are still available on the Ballard Organics website. We will also be selling furniture and equipment, and I’ll post a list of these items along with photos.

Busby-Collins tells us that he’s still not sure what he’s going to do, maybe even get back into the soap business. “If I had it to do over again I wouldn’t try to get so big in a short time. Maybe,” he says. “I made the best decisions I could based on the information I had at the time and I don’t have regrets.”

According to the Facebook page, Ballard Organics is no longer shipping orders, but the product is still available at local retailers and drugstore.com.

The clearance sale will be at the factory in the Rainier Valley. 2028 21st Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98144. Hours are 12-4 on Friday, 10-4 on Saturday and 10-4 on Sunday.