Bevy of businesses opening in Lacey, including a new spot for fried chicken and custard
A cluster of new businesses have opened or are about to open at Hogum Bay Town Center, a relatively new commercial development in northeast Lacey.
The town center is at Marvin Road Northeast and Willamette Road and is perhaps best known for pickleball. A business called 23 Kitchens, which The Olympian wrote about a year ago, has opened several indoor and outdoor pickleball courts as well as a restaurant and bar at the center.
But there’s more. A Starbucks, Mod Pizza, Jimmy John’s, Nails & Spa and an Indigo Urgent Care also have opened in the same location.
Now a fried chicken and custard business called Super Chix is set to open on Monday, May 6, according to posted information. But don’t call it fast food, according to the business.
“We are not a fast-food joint,” the website reads. “In addition to never-frozen crispy and grilled chicken sandwiches, tenders, and fresh hand-cut and seasoned fried Idaho spuds, Super Chix also specializes in fresh salads and in-store churned, hand-dipped premium frozen custard.”
In 2022, the business announced the signing of a new franchise development agreement for at least 35 restaurants in Washington and Oregon. Super Chix opened its first Pierce County location last August.
Also coming to the town center: International House of Pancakes, or IHOP; a Washington State Employees Credit Union location; and The Learning Experience, an early learning destination for infants, toddler and preschoolers, according to posted information.
Other business happenings
Confirmed: The Olympian previously reported that a seafood restaurant called Yummy Crab was moving into the former Izzy’s building in Olympia at Pacific Avenue and Lilly Road. And now it’s clear that’s happening because a sign has been raised at the new location.
A readers asks: What happened to the Subway on College Street near Lacey Boulevard? According to the Subway website, that location has closed.
Enjoy drinking coffee while observing some cute cats? Your moment has arrived because Pawsific Northwest Cat Cafe is set to have a Thurston County Chamber of Commerce-sponsored ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 9. The kitty-loving cafe is at 3415 Pacific Ave. SE.
Olympia Coffee, perhaps best known for its roastery and cafe in downtown Olympia across from City Hall, won two awards at the Good Food Awards ceremony recently held in Portland, the business announced.
The two award-winning coffees: Colombia Amparo Pajoy and Little Buddy Blend.
The Amparo Pajoy has flavors of brown sugar, milk chocolate, and apple, while the Little Buddy Blend contains notes of sweet berries, stone fruit, and florals, according to website information.
Intercity Transit also announced some award-winning activity at the American Public Transportation Association 2024 International Bus Roadeo competition. It, too, was recently held in Portland.
IT bus operator Rob Wood took first place in the driving competition and an IT maintenance team of Richelle Loken, Jonathan Reynolds and Sean Malay took first place in the bus inspection category.
“Following a five-year hiatus, this year’s Roadeo featured 390 participants, including 76 bus drivers, 46 maintenance teams, and 38 combined teams,” a news release reads. “Participants navigated obstacle courses, performed simulated driving scenarios, and showcased their ability to conduct thorough vehicle inspections, diagnose mechanical issues, and complete maintenance tasks efficiently and safely.”
Real estate
A proposal to build 38 homes at 5515 Kagy St. SE in Lacey’s urban growth area is set to be heard at a presubmission conference on May 23, according to Thurston County information.
A presubmission conference gives developers a chance to hear feedback on their projects and learn what will be expected of them before taking an official step.
The developer, Steve Chamberlain, has previously proposed developing hundreds of homes in this area.
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 May 3, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
