Long-rumored diner returning to Olympia, historic library to serve whiskey
Black Bear Diner, long-rumored to be returning to Olympia, is coming back after all, according to a check of the property at Fones Road and Pacific Avenue Southeast.
The former Shari’s Cafe and Pie business now has Black Bear Diner signs and bear statues outside the location.
The Olympian again reached out to the Redding, California-based business about the forthcoming location but did not hear back from anyone about the restaurant. However, the Black Bear Diner website does identify the Olympia restaurant as a future site.
Black Bear Diner previously operated a restaurant in west Olympia where Charro is today at 955 Black Lake Blvd. SE. Charro is a former El Sarape.
Whiskey Library coming to Olympia, too
Downtown’s long-empty Carnegie Library is set to become a “whiskey library,” according to a “coming soon” sign on the building and an upcoming Thurston Economic Development Council presentation.
“You can hear all about it at the 2025 Real Estate Forum on Thursday, September 25 at the SPSCC Lacey Campus Event Center,” the EDC said in a Facebook post.
According to the post:
“Built in 1914 and designed by architect Joseph Wohleb, this landmark-listed building is undergoing a respectful transformation that blends history with hospitality,” the post reads.
The reimagined space will include:
- A lower-level, members-only whiskey lounge with accessible entries.
- An open, welcoming upper floor for community use.
- Carefully restored original woodwork, ceilings, and wainscoting.
- A discreet modern addition with elevator, kitchen, and ADA restrooms.
The whiskey library idea was first pitched to Olympia officials in May 2023, The Olympian reported.
Olympia Lamplighters will close, but is not going away
Olympia Lamplighters, a former art gallery and co-working space that later turned into a do-it-yourself music venue at 501 Capitol Way S., will close Sunday, according to its Instagram account.
“All things must end, we’re still going to be around just gone for a while,” the post reads. “We were an art gallery and third space first but most importantly we were a DIY music venue.”
“Created from nothing with no big budget, no live nation contracts, no experience, just raw DIY hardcore,” the post reads. “The team hosted shows weekly, allowing people the option to come experience touring bands in a facility that wasn’t dependent on alcohol sales.”
U-Haul expands in the Olympia area
2 Mile House Pub & Eatery at 4221 Harrison Ave. NE in west Olympia and Design N Signs at 112 Binghampton St. in Rainier have signed on as U-Haul neighborhood dealers to serve the area.
“U-Haul has teamed with independent dealers to offer rental equipment to do-it-yourself movers since 1945,” a news release reads. “During these challenging times for small businesses, more than 21,000 dealers across the U.S. and Canada are generating supplemental income through their U-Haul affiliation. When customers rent from a U-Haul dealer, they are directly supporting an independent small business in their community.”
Church proposes pedestrian tunnel
Gospel Outreach Church and School seeks approval for clearing and grading permits and a required state Environmental Policy Act determination for the future development of a pedestrian tunnel under South Bay Road Northeast, the Thurston County Community Planning & Economic Development department announced.
“The (SEPA) determination is required since the estimated fill or excavation of the proposed tunnel is anticipated to exceed 500 cubic yards,” the county information reads. “The subject parcels total 2.0 acres and 0.22 acres; however, the proposed development area will be located primarily within the South Bay Road NE right-of-way.”
Care to comment on this proposal? To comment, go to the county’s project comment form and leave it there by 4 p.m. Sept. 2.
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 August 15, 2025 at 5:00 AM.