Cafe expands, new Trader Joe’s is hiring, and another biz, citing higher costs, will close
Aloha Acai Cafe, which opened a location in Lacey two years ago, has expanded to west Olympia, filling a spot on Harrision Avenue that was once Doos Donuts, owner Laura Alden said this week.
Her new location is at 1621 Harrison Ave NW, near 6th Borough Bagels.
As the name suggests, the cafe serves acai bowls, but what’s that?
It’s a food bowl that uses the acai berry as a sorbet base, which is then topped with any number of ingredients, including fresh fruit, granola, dark chocolate, peanut butter or almond butter.
“In addition to our acai bowls and smoothies that everyone loves, we offer a full espresso menu at our west Olympia location,” said Alden in an email. “We offer Hawaii-style signature drinks such as our Haupia Latte, Kauai Pie Mocha and Salty Kiss.
“We are also currently offering our delicious hot steel cut oatmeal with choices, such as our cinnamon apple crisp oatmeal made with hot cinnamon apples and a light caramel drizzle, and PNW berry cobbler oatmeal and banana walnut oatmeal!”
The west side location is open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays.
Shiplap Shop & Coffee House will close
The Shiplap Shop & Coffee House in Yelm is closing, the business announced on social media.
“After seven amazing years, rising costs and the decline in daily traffic have made it no longer possible for us to stay open. This decision was incredibly difficult, as Shiplap has been so much more than a business — it’s been a home.
“To each and every person who walked through our doors, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your love, encouragement, and support over the years have meant more than words can say. You’ve not only kept our doors open — you’ve filled this space with warmth, community, and purpose.
“Our last day of operations will be Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. We hope to see your familiar faces in the coming weeks as we say our heartfelt goodbyes and celebrate all that Shiplap has meant to us. We will also be announcing details soon about a liquidation sale, so stay tuned for more information in the days ahead.”
The business is at 112 Yelm Ave E., Yelm.
Trader Joe’s is hiring
The forthcoming Trader Joe’s in Lacey, set to open in a former Rite Aid at 691 Sleater Kinney Road SE, is hiring, according to a sign affixed to a fence near the property.
For more information, go to the Trader Joe’s website and click on “careers.” The website shows they are hiring crew members for that store.
Weddings With Joy set to expand
The bridal shop Weddings With Joy, now located in Olympia at 3003 Pacific Ave. SE, is going to expand into a new Lacey location just down the road, the business announced.
“After 43 unforgettable years in our current location, we have simply outgrown it and found a new beautiful, bridal boutique home and cannot wait to share it with you!,” a social media post reads. “This gorgeous new space will someday feature a 2-story shopping experience! Our new boutique is currently undergoing a major remodel and it’s truly so exciting! It will be light, and bright, and full of joy when we are ready to open the doors and invite you all in!”
The business hasn’t moved yet, but its future home will be at 4412 Pacific Ave. SE in Lacey.
Sound Credit Union raises money for Homes First
A Sound Credit Union employee fundraiser has raised more than $17,000 for Homes First in Lacey.
“We are deeply grateful for this generous donation to Homes First. This contribution will make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, who are working hard to rebuild their lives and find stable housing,” said Trudy Soucoup, CEO of Homes First, in a statement. “Support like this allows us to provide not just a home, but access to the comprehensive services and compassionate care that help people transition to a life with hope for a better future.”
For 35 years, Homes First has acquired, renovated, and preserved rental housing for low- and very low-income households. The nonprofit manages 180 rental units in 61 properties that house nearly 300 residents.
Thurston EDC seeks donations
The Thurston Economic Development Council and Center for Business & Innovation is asking for donations after a change to its budget, said Executive Director Michael Cade in an email.
“Our operating budget has changed dramatically since early 2025, with the loss of most public-sector funding,” he writes.
“This impacts our ability to provide the same deep level of support we’ve been known for across the state. Additionally, the federal government shutdown has created an unfortunate deep cut and negative impact to our cash flow and availability to provide services and technical assistance to the Thurston County businesses and entrepreneurs is extremely impacted and curtailed.”
As a result, Cade is asking the community to consider a one-time gift to the Center for Business & Innovation.
“Your support will help us continue to serve startups and small businesses through vital programs, even as we trim operations,” he writes.
To donate, go here.
If you know of a retailer, restaurant, coffee shop or other business that is opening, closing, expanding, remodeling, or changing its focus, send an email to reporter Rolf Boone at rboone@theolympian.com.
This story was originally published October 17, 2025 at 5:00 AM.