Downtown eatery will close, local bank makes news and 2 businesses change hands
The downtown Olympia restaurant Chicory on Columbia Street will close permanently at the end of December 2025, the owners announced on social media.
“Our story is unfortunately not unique,” the Instagram post reads. “You don’t have to look very hard to find headlines about restaurants, more venerated and awarded than our own, closing because of the same exact challenges we face. Operating costs have risen 30-40% in 5 years, and that’s just a pace that we can’t keep up with.”
Although the business is closing, the owners ask that the community not give up on them.
“The business and our staff still have (a lot of) bills to pay, and we will continue to maintain the level of passion and care that got us this far,” the post reads. “We have the somewhat unique opportunity to finish with our heads held high, so please come help us celebrate this thing that we built with our bare hands, and send it off with the blaze of glory it deserves.”
They also have a second act in mind.
“Chicory as we know it will cease to exist, but we are committed to remaining a part of the Olympia community and food system,” the post reads. “This is not the end for us! We have some exciting things on the horizon, but we’re not quite ready to announce them just yet.”
Parent company of Heritage Bank will acquire Olympic Bancorp
Heritage Financial Corp., the holding company for Olympia-based Heritage Bank, is set to acquire Olympic Bancorp, the holding company for Kitsap Bank, the two financial institutions announced Sept. 25.
Heritage will acquire Olympic in an all-stock transaction deal that is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, according to a news release.
“Kitsap Bank is one of the longest tenured banks in Washington state, and we have deep respect for the banking institution they have built over the last 117 years,” said Bryan McDonald, president and CEO of Heritage and Heritage Bank, in a statement. “Their relationship banking strategy has created an exceptionally high-quality, low-cost core deposit franchise. This combination with Heritage will create a more robust banking platform for communities across the Puget Sound region.”
Kitsap Bank, established in 1908, is headquartered in Port Orchard with 17 banking offices and $1.7 billion in total assets, $941.6 million in total loans and $1.4 billion in total deposits as of June 30, 2025, the release reads.
Following the acquisition, Heritage will have total assets of approximately $8.8 billion, total loans of approximately $5.7 billion and total deposits of approximately $7.2 billion, according to the release.
Starbucks location closes
A Starbucks location at Hawks Prairie Village Mall on Marvin Road Northeast in Lacey has closed, according to a check of the property.
It wasn’t immediately clear when it closed, but there was a note attached to the door.
“We’ve made the incredibly difficult decision to close this Starbucks location at the end of the week,” the note reads. “We know this may be hard to hear — because this isn’t just any store. It’s your coffeehouse, woven into your daily rhythm, where memories were made, and where meaningful connections with our partners grew over the years. We’re deeply grateful for the community that’s been built here.”
Hotworx set to have grand opening, ribbon cutting
Hotworx is set to have its grand opening and ribbon cutting 1-3 p.m. Oct. 16 at 2515 Marvin Rd. NE.
The business is owned by Ciara Boyce, who also owns a location in University Place.
What is Hotworx?
“Hotworx is a unique fitness studio offering members access to our patented 3D training method, which combines heat, infrared energy and exercise to deliver highly effective and efficient results,” a news release reads. “Our goal is to empower members to succeed in their wellness journey through this innovative approach to fitness.”
Hoh River Brewing is now Rainwater Brewing
Hoh River Brewing in Tumwater is now Rainwater Brewing after Gavin Rainwater bought the business, he announced in an email to The Olympian.
Gavin is a former merchant mariner who later attended South Puget Sound Community College and graduated from its brewing and distilling program.
He went on to work for Top Rung Brewing in Lacey and Matchless Brewing in Tumwater, but in between he had the chance to collaborate on a beer with former Hoh River Brewing owner John Christopherson.
“I was working at Matchless Brewing and heard John was interested in selling his brewery and retiring,” said Gavin in his email. “Meeting with him it became clear that this was a great opportunity to continue his 10+ year journey and legacy in the industry. Thus Rainwater brewing was born!”
A grand opening is set, he writes.
“Our grand opening is this Saturday 10/4 (2442 Mottman Rd SW) and will feature three local bands, a local food truck and some other cool activities!”
Downtown’s Oly Taproom has new owners
Oly Taproom on Columbia Street in downtown Olympia has new owners.
They are Dwight Sutter and his wife, Hallie. Sutter is the former manager of the business.
“Under Sutter’s leadership, Oly Taproom will continue its mission of showcasing exceptional craft beer and cider while maintaining the welcoming atmosphere that has made it a cornerstone of Olympia’s beverage scene,” a news release reads.
No major operational changes are anticipated.
“I’m excited to take on this new role and continue building on what makes Oly Taproom special,” said Sutter in a statement. “Our focus remains on supporting local breweries, offering an outstanding selection of craft beer and cider, and providing a space where the craft beer community can come together.
“This place has been my passion as manager, and now I’m thrilled to guide its future as owner,” he said.
The former owner, Levi Hendricks, continues to operate Briggs Taphouse on Henderson Boulevard and Frenchie’s on 4th.
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 October 3, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
