Do you know Heart of the Deernicorn? Plus, updates on 3 eateries and Rite Aid closures
It might be one of the best kept business secrets in downtown Olympia.
For 10 years, Heart of the Deernicorn, a maker, distributor and textile manufacturer of game products, has occupied space in the heart of downtown in the White Building on Fourth Avenue, across the street from the State Theater.
Co-owner Ross Cowman had been self-publishing games for a while, he said, and then he created a role-playing game played on a textile scroll called “Fall of Magic” in 2015 that turned out to be an instant hit.
He raised $70,000 for it via Kickstarter, an online fundraising platform, and it was onward and upwards from there.
“Since then, it’s been translated into seven different languages,” he said. “We’ve sold tens of thousands of copies all over the world, and won numerous awards.”
The business also distributes between 100 and 120 different titles for other game publishers as well as manufacturing textile products for other game makers.
Now, Heart of the Deernicorn is about to launch a new division of the business called Studio Golden.
Heart of the Deernicorn co-owner Mo Golden has a background in painting and has been teaching herself ceramics for the past year, she said.
Studio Golden is going to start by producing home decor and functional art pieces, she said, but with an eye toward making ceramic game components, such as the game markers used in a role-playing game.
“And then if we want to move into more complex pieces that go past my skill set, then we can hire in more expertise,” she said.
Other product ideas for Studio Golden include lighting fixture sconces and working with porcelain, Golden said.
The business does not have a public storefront; however, if you’d like to try one of their games, such as “Fall of Magic,” you can find it right next door at The Mystic Game Shop at 211 Fourth Ave. E.
Learn more about Heart of the Deernicorn and Studio Golden on their websites.
Grand opening set for Dough Zone
A grand opening celebration is set for a new Chinese restaurant called Dough Zone, which is filling a spot in the Hogum Bay Town Center in northeast Lacey.
The ceremony starts at 10 a.m. and the doors open at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 26.
“This marks a special moment as we expand beyond our Seattle/Bellevue roots to bring our signature dumplings and noodles to a new community,” a news release reads.
Dough Zone Lacey is at 2480 Marvin Road NE, Suite D.
Another Rite Aid store to close
More store closures have emerged as part of Rite Aid’s second bankruptcy filing, including a store in west Olympia at 305 Cooper Point Road NW.
That’s now four stores that have either closed or are going to close in Thurston County.
There’s just one store left: A Rite Aid in Lacey at Yelm Highway and College Street Southeast.
A store on Martin Way and one on Sleater Kinney Road have already closed as part of the company’s first bankruptcy, while a store in Yelm is slated to close as part of the second filing.
The former Sleater Kinney Road location is currently being renovated for a “specialized grocer,” according to city of Lacey information.
Olympia eatery to be featured by America’s Best Restaurants
The Leaning Maple in downtown Olympia will be hosting visits this month from America’s Best Restaurants, a media and marketing company focused on bringing attention to local, independently owned restaurants.
“Popular dishes will be highlighted, along with an extensive on-camera interview with owners Becky Slosson and her children about the restaurant’s special place in the community,” a news release reads.
Even though she had no restaurant background — Slosson is a mental health therapist by trade, and initially envisioned the space as a wellness center — The Leaning Maple has remained busy and popular as a breakfast spot in downtown Olympia, according to the release.
“We’re packed every day, and we don’t have a day that goes by that’s dead,” Slosson said in a statement. “It is amazing what we’ve done in such a short amount of time. It’s a testimony that dreams do come true.”
A variety of savory and sweet waffles are available, with such dishes as the Pulled Pork and Slaw waffle, the Banana Nut waffle, and sandwiches like the Reuben Waffle sandwich.
The restaurant’s finished episode will be featured on America’s Best Restaurants’ website.
Black Bear Diner rumors persist
Is the Black Bear Diner coming to a vacant Shari’s in Olympia at Fones Road and Pacific Avenue?
The rumor mill continues to believe that it is. The Best of Olympia Facebook page recently featured a post from a user who found a Black Bear Diner advertisement that seeks an assistant manager for the vacant Shari’s location.
Yet, according to the Black Bear Diner site, there’s no indication of a forthcoming Olympia location.
If Black Bear were to open here, it would be the restaurant’s second visit to this market. Years ago it operated a store on the west side near Black Lake Boulevard and Capital Mall Drive.
45 homes pitched in Tumwater’s UGA
A developer has proposed a 45-home subdivision at 1923 83rd Ave. SW in Tumwater, according to a notice of application to Thurston County.
“The applicant seeks preliminary approval to remove approximately 35,000 board feet from 6.58 acres in order to subdivide and develop 45 single-family residential lots,” the description reads.
Care to comment on this proposal? County officials are asking that all comments be submitted through the project’s comment form by going to: www.thurstoncountywa.gov/notice-applications.
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 June 13, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
