Pizza biz revamps and reopens, a boutique hotel makes its pitch, downtown vacancy filled
Brewery City Pizza, a longtime local pizzeria with locations in Tumwater, Lacey, and west Olympia, has reopened again after a more than two-month period dedicated to renovations, rebranding and an overall improved customer experience, the business announced.
“The grand reopening marks a significant milestone in the brand’s storied history, ensuring the brand can continue for the next 40-plus years,” business officials said in a news release.
Some of the changes:
▪ New additions, such as beer mac and cheese and beer cheese dip, an expansion of lunch specials from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and an extension of happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
▪ Highlighting beers from neighboring breweries. “This revitalized emphasis on local brews seeks to elevate the overall dining experience, marrying the finest pleasures in life: pizza and beer,” the news release reads.
▪ Renovated locations with updated interiors featuring natural woods, metals and “industrial vibes.”
Brewery City Pizza first opened in 1982.
Other business happenings
The city of Olympia, in an effort to find a longterm use for a downtown property at 108 State Ave., recently requested proposals for the site and received two, including a pitch called The Ladderhouse, which would convert the site into a boutique hotel.
The 14,000-square-foot building, which was originally built to serve as City Hall and the city’s main fire station, dates to 1912. The Ladderhouse represents a pitch from a group of interested parties. The Artisans Group, an Olympia design firm, is part of it, as is Essence Hotel Group, which recently completed the Fairfield Inn and Suites Marriott in DuPont, according to city information.
The group seeks to acquire the property and turn it into a hotel with 28-32 rooms, city Economic Development Director Mike Reid said. Some rooms would have bathrooms, some rooms would share a restroom and shower, and some bunk-bed style rooms also have been proposed, he said.
The city also received a proposal from the Olympia Arts and Heritage Alliance, which seeks to use the space as “a museum that will be a destination and gathering place for learning about, reflecting on, and becoming inspired by Olympia’s uniquely rich arts, cultures and history,” according to city information.
A subcommittee will review the proposals and is expected to make a recommendation to Olympia City Council during the first quarter of 2024, Reid said.
Olympia Lamplighters has filled a longtime vacancy in downtown Olympia at Fifth Avenue and Capitol Way South. The corner space was once home to men’s clothier G. Miller, which can now be found across from the Olympia Farmers Market at 111 Market St. NE, Suite 103.
Olympia Lamplighters is a nonprofit art gallery, co-working space and educational hub for a variety of creators, The Olympian reported over the summer.
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 22, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
