Meet the owners of Glowies. Plus, a diner opens and more housing proposed
The co-owners of Glowies, the brightly-colored business that has filled the former New Moon Cafe space on Fourth Avenue, are Tiernan Gillan and Lexie Castaneto, The Olympian has learned.
The business and life partners are veterans of the restaurant industry.
Castaneto, originally from Thurston County, spent a decade in the restaurant business in Seattle. That’s where she met Gillan, who previously co-owned a coffee and gelato restaurant in Pike Place Market called Bottega Italiana. That business was sold in 2021, they took some time off and now they are gearing up for Glowies.
Gillan initially considered a pizza restaurant, and then he discovered the former New Moon space.
“Lexie found this space and like lights just went off,” he said. “The location was perfect. It’s too small for pizza, but it’s just right for coffee and egg sandwiches.”
That’s the focus: breakfast sandwiches, coffee and baked goods. Expect egg and cheese; bacon, egg and cheese; sausage, egg and cheese; a vegan option and a special sandwich, served with spam and nori on a rice patty. The brioche buns will be made in house, they say.
“I love this space,” Lexie said. “I mean, I grew up here, so I know New Moon. I’ve been coming here for years, with my daughter or by myself, and I’ve always loved New Moon. And I think just continuing that breakfast legacy is what Olympia needs and wants, hopefully.”
The big question: When are they opening?
The space is still being renovated, so they are aiming for a mid-October opening. They expect to operate seven days week, from 7 a.m. to about 6 p.m. during the work week, and closing about 5 p.m. on the weekends.
It’s not a big space, but the business plans to accommodate those who want to grab-and-go and dine in, Gillan said.
“You should feel comfortable ordering a coffee, grabbing a breakfast sandwich and sitting down, or just grab it and take it back to the office,” he said.
Why Glowies? Gillan drives a 1997 Japanese camper van called a Toyota HiAce. It has a right-side steering wheel and is powered by a diesel engine. Diesel engines have glow plugs, which are similar to spark plugs, and when he starts the vehicle, the glow plug symbol lights on up his dashboard. Hence: Glowies.
Black Bear Diner opens
Black Bear Diner, which filled a former Shari’s restaurant at Pacific Avenue and Fones Road, has opened, according to its website.
“Whether you’re starting your day with fluffy pancakes and fresh coffee, grabbing a juicy burger for lunch, or winding down with a homestyle dinner like pot roast or tri-tip, there’s something comforting for everyone on the menu,” the website reads.
The business is open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and is open an hour later on Fridays and Saturdays.
Mexican restaurant coming to west side
An eagle-eyed reader has discovered that a former restaurant called the Cooper Point Public House at 3002 Harrison Ave. NW in west Olympia is set to be renovated into a Mexican restaurant.
That’s according to tenant improvement and liquor license information that has been posted on the front door of the former business.
“Tenant improvement for proposed Mexican restaurant,” the information reads. “Removing current seating and bar area and replacing with different seating and bar/layout style. Existing kitchen/bathroom will remain the same.”
CGA Restaurants LLC has applied for the liquor license, the posted information shows.
Hindu Temple proposed
Tumwater’s development review committee is set to hear a proposal for a Hindu Temple and cultural center at 210 Tumwater Blvd., according to city information.
The property is owned by the Port of Olympia.
“The maximum number of people expected to be at the facility is 40,” the proposal reads. “Maximum number of car parking required is 10-12.”
The development review committee provides feedback to developers about what local government will expect of their projects before they become official.
Large development proposed in Lacey
A developer called Resource Management Solutions is proposing to develop a 213,000-square-foot, mixed-use development to include 198-apartment units — including six live/work units — plus 15,000 square feet of commercial development, and associated site improvements, according to city of Lacey information, which has received a site plan review application for the project.
The site is located at an unaddressed parcel on the northeast corner of 41st Avenue Northeast and Marvin Road.
Care to comment on this proposal? Send those comments to Senior Planner Samra Seymour at samra.seymour@cityoflacey.org by 5 p.m. Sept. 26.
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 September 19, 2025 at 5:00 AM.