One downtown restaurant closes and another expands hours to offer lunch, brunch
Garcon De Donburi, a restaurant in downtown Olympia at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Columbia Street, has closed, according to a check of the property.
The phone number is not disconnected, although no one answered it and there was no voicemail.
Before it was Garcon De Donburi, it was just Donburi Boy. A representative of the business reached out to The Olympian before it opened in the summer of 2023.
“Donburi Boy is an exciting new fusion restaurant that specializes in Japanese and French cuisine. Our talented chef, Chester, hails from Australia and has spent years perfecting his craft to create unique and delicious dishes that combine the best of both worlds.
“We will be offering evening and weekend casual dining that’s perfect for any occasion, with a variety of dishes on our menu expertly prepared with the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. Whether customers are in the mood for classic Japanese donburi bowls or French-inspired entrees, we have something for everyone.”
Before the site was home to Donburi Boy, it was Inaka Ramen.
Downtown restaurant expands hours
The Assyrian restaurant Nineveh is well known for its food truck at Fourth Avenue East and Plum Street, but it recently opened a dine-in restaurant on Capitol Way. Now that new site is expanding its hours, the business announced.
The restaurant at 113 Capitol Way N. is now serving brunch and lunch.
“We’re now open all day, Wednesday to Sunday,” said owner Lisa David in an email to The Olympian.
“Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and brunch is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The lunch menu follows brunch until dinner starts at 5 p.m.”
So what will this former Rite Aid become?
A former Sleater Kinney Road Rite Aid — one of five in Thurston County that has closed or is closing because of the pharmacy chain’s multiple bankruptcy filings — continues to take shape as a new store, according to a check of the property.
But which business is actually moving into the space? So far the only public announcement about the space is that it will be used by a “specialized grocer.”
We asked readers about the specialized grocer. They think it will be one of these businesses: Trader Joe’s, Aldi, Grocery Outlet, Metropolitan Market, or H Mart.
Tire business proposal
Purcell Tire has submitted a site plan review application for a new store in Lacey, the city announced.
Purcell Tire is proposing to operate a tire service business out of an existing warehouse building at 2911 Marvin Road NE.
New owners for Northwest Accounting Group
Shelton-based Northwest Accounting Group has new owners as of July 1, the business announced.
Peter Sayah has officially transferred ownership of the firm to brothers Bradley and Gareth Price, who bring a blend of experience in finance, technology and business operations, according to the release.
“As the new owners, they are committed to maintaining the firm’s longstanding commitment to personalized service while expanding capabilities to better serve small businesses, nonprofits and individuals,” the release reads.
“We’re honored to carry forward the values Peter built this firm on,” said Bradley Price in a statement. “Our goal is to continue providing the same trusted service while adding tools and expertise that help our clients grow with confidence.”
New service offerings include:
▪ Fractional CFO Services: Strategic financial oversight for growing businesses without the full-time cost of a chief financial officer.
▪ Business Entity Formation: Expert guidance in selecting and registering your business structure nationwide.
▪ Registered Agent Services: Professional representation and compliance support for Washington state entities.
▪ Bundled Services: A new discounted package combining tax preparation, payroll, and bookkeeping for streamlined financial management.
“I’m proud of what we’ve built, and I feel confident that Brad and Gareth are the right people to take this firm into its next phase,” Sayah said in a statement.
The firm continues to operate under the name Northwest Accounting Group, which is now owned by Glacier Peak Accounting Group LLC.
The existing team remains in place, and no layoffs are planned, according to the release.
People news
Michael Day is new the chief executive officer of Experience Olympia & Beyond, the visitor and convention bureau for the area, the organization announced.
Day is from Edmonds and attended the University of Washington, according to a news release. He most recently was the corporate sales manager for North America for Crystal Cruises.
Before that he spent seven years as a general manager of convention centers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Reno, Nevada.
His tourism career began as a cruise director and he later rose to become vice president of entertainment for three luxury cruise lines, according to the release.
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.
