Lacey restaurant changes tune, former antique mall home gets new life, cafe reopens
The owner of Rod Knock Burgers and Bar in Lacey on Ruddell Road has changed his tune and will abide by new COVID-19 restrictions announced by Gov. Inslee last month, according to a post on Facecbook.
“As of right now we have shut our dining room down,” the post reads.
The owner was facing an immediate suspension of license but without fines, according to the post.
“So while I’m getting together with other small business owners and seeking council, we will be in compliance,” the post reads. “At least I was finally approved for outside dining because of the stand I took.”
Over the weekend, though, the owner was more defiant.
“Today we have made a decision to open our dining room,” the Dec. 6 post reads.
“This isn’t a light decision. I know what I have put at risk, and I’m doing so by my decision and the decision of my employees who volunteered. If you’d like to join us, great. If not, we’re still doing digital sales and to-go. We are doing our best, just like the rest of you.”
That Sunday post attracted more than 500 mostly positive comments, including one from Lacey City Councilman Ed Kunkel Jr.
“Way to go Rod Knock! You guys rock,” his comments reads.
Other business happenings
The Kelley Building, which for 16 years was home to Finders Keepers Antique Mall on Fourth Avenue, is going to get spruced up in the coming days, said Darrell McQuiston, a managing broker and property manager for The Rants Group.
The building, which was targeted by vandals over the summer, has since been covered up with plywood boards. But now those boards are set to be removed, glass replaced and an artist, Brian Papa of Papa Studios, has been hired to paint a scenic view on the windows, McQuiston said.
Finders Keepers occupied 5,000 square feet in the building. The owners chose to close during the early days of the pandemic.
McQuiston said a karate studio showed interest in the space, but under the current restrictions it was unable to open. Still, the changes coming to the building are a good sign, McQuiston said.
“We are open for business downtown,” he said.
The Park Side Cafe, a place for vegan food in west Olympia, has reopened for takeout and delivery, owner Alicia Elliott said. The Rolling Pin, which is in the same building, also is open.
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 December 11, 2020 at 5:45 AM.
