Gallery Boom has moved, Sofie’s Scoops plans a food truck, and truck dealership pitched for Lacey
Gallery Boom, an art gallery and gift shop previously on Adams Street in downtown Olympia, has moved to a location just off State Avenue, near Ralph’s Thriftway.
The business was planning to move before the pandemic, said owner Christine Malek, but she wanted to stay downtown. Unable to find a location, she has settled into 875 square feet at 201 Wilson St. NE. It’s quite a bit smaller than the previous shop, but it has parking and it might be temporary. Malek said she’s open to finding a larger space next spring.
Although Gallery Boom has moved, it isn’t open yet. Malek expects to open it toward the end of the month by appointment only and eventually on the weekends.
“I want it to be a safe experience for everyone involved,” she said.
Meanwhile, the gallery’s website has kept her busy, Malek said. It’s averaging an order a day, and she delivers within a certain distance, she said.
Malek also is looking for new artists who want to sell through the Gallery Boom website. She’s working with a photographer who will take pictures of items, then Malek will post them online, plus handle the packing and shipping if the item sells, she said.
For updates about Gallery Boom, follow it on Facebook, Instagram, or at https://galleryboomshop.com/. Artists interested in showing their work can send an email to galleryboomolympia@gmail.com.
Other business happenings
Sofie’s Scoops, the downtown Olympia gelato maker and seller, is going to sell gelato out of a food truck in the Tumwater Craft District next year, owner Sophia Landis said. The food truck will set up there next spring and operate through the summer, she said. The craft district, which is still under construction, is on Capitol Boulevard near Tumwater Valley Golf Course.
Sofie’s Scoops also has launched “Sanity Scoops,” a seasonal fall/winter service where customers can order pints of gelato through its website for weekend delivery. In the meantime, you can find Sofie’s at 222 Capitol Way N. The business is open 2-8 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. For more information, go to https://www.sofiesscoops.com/.
A truck dealership has been pitched for property in northeast Lacey, according to the city of Lacey. TEC Equipment has proposed the development at 2800 Marvin Road NE. The proposal includes two buildings that will total more than 60,000 square feet, plus an outdoor showroom, truck display and vehicle staging area, according to the city.
A check of the Waterstreet Cafe in downtown Olympia shows that it has not reopened. The business, according to its website, had closed through July. Messages left at The Olympian by people identifying themselves as former employees say the business has closed for good. The business did not reply to an email inquiry from The Olympian.
The Subway sandwich shop on Pacific Avenue near Fones Road has closed.
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.
