Rod Knock Burgers and Bar opens in Lacey, new fitness gym struggles to survive in Olympia
Two new businesses have opened in the area: one that serves up burgers and beer, while the other dishes out some female-focused fitness.
Rod Knock Burgers and Bar opened April 10 in Lacey at 1225 Ruddell Road SE, owner Kimo Lemn said.
Lemn, who used to run an auto repair business, stuck with the car theme and called his new burger joint “rod knock,” as in the knock of a piston rod. He said he’s always wanted to open a bar, plus he had a friend who was into food, so they opened the business together.
No one could have predicted the COVID-19 pandemic, but Lemn has adapted. The restaurant offers curbside pickup, and he’s working with delivery service Uber Eats and also making deliveries himself. Customers can get beer and cocktails to go in mason jars, he said.
What does he recommend on the menu? The bulgogi burger, which is a one-third-pound beef patty, topped with mayo, provolone cheese, grilled onions, a bulgogi aioli and the Korean-style meat itself.
For more about Rod Knock, go to the Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/Rodknockburgersandbar
Meanwhile, Athena PNW, a new fitness gym that is female-focused but open to everyone, has opened in Olympia at 3330 Pacific Ave. SE, near the business Car Toys. Athena PNW was opened by Joanna Sather and Tiffany Krueger, two former fitness instructors at The Valley Athletic Club in Tumwater. They also have three silent partners.
Although the doors opened Feb. 1, the business is now offering classes online because of the pandemic. They also are looking for another investor, are trying to get an SBA loan, and are seeking money via the GoFundMe website. They are trying to raise $50,000, according to the listing.
Sather and Krueger said if they exceed their goal, they plan to give that money to another business.
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.
