Cider business coming to Olympia, sipping vinegar wins award, 2 businesses expand
Locust Cider of Gig Harbor is set to open its 16th taproom in Olympia, the business announced.
An opening date and hours of operation haven’t been determined just yet, said marketing coordinator Claire Sites, but the taproom is expected to open this month.
The new location is downtown’s 222 Marketplace, which is already home to such businesses as Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar and Sofie’s Scoops.
The taproom will serve Locust Cider favorites, such as dark cherry, vanilla bean and honey pear, as well as seasonal ciders, limited small batch specials and a rotation of craft beer.
“In addition, we will offer an inventive food menu that includes flatbread pizzas and savory snacks, all to enjoy while playing retro video games or board games in our taproom,” a news release reads.
Other business happenings
Harbor Freight Tools is opening a new store in west Olympia at 1000 Cooper Point Road later this summer, the hardware retailer announced. An official opening date will be released closer to the new store’s opening.
Harbor Freight is hiring and expects to employ 25-30. It has an existing store in Lacey at 4520 Lacey Blvd.
“We’ve been looking to open a location in Olympia for a number of years so that we can provide the tools and equipment at tremendous values to the community,” said Trey Feiler, senior vice president of real estate and construction for Harbor Freight Tools, in a statement. “In addition to finding a great location, we were attracted by the availability of great associates in the Olympia area, and we look forward to having them join the Harbor Freight team.”
Interested applicants can apply online at www.harborfreightjobs.com/retail and search “Olympia, WA.”
Tenino’s Wild Heart Sipping Vinegar, the sister company of Sandstone Distillery, submitted their Blueberry Thyme sipping vinegar for consideration at the 2021 Artisan Flave Awards, and won a silver medal.
“This was quite an honor for our little start-up,” says co-owner Jenni Bourdon of the award. “We know our customers love this varietal given that they’ve purchased over 1,000 bottles just this year alone, so the Artisan Flave Award is a very gratifying affirmation for all of us at Wild Heart.”
The Flave Awards are a culinary competition providing small to medium-sized businesses an opportunity to showcase their original products and be recognized for their talents.
Chipotle Mexican Grill has opened a second store in Lacey, at 5116 Yelm Highway SE. Its first store in the area was opened near the Marvin Road-Martin Way intersection.
The new store is open 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
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 July 9, 2021 at 5:45 AM.
