New Olympia Chick-fil-A opens, Asian fusion spot downtown, and bridal shop news
Chick-fil-A opened its west Olympia location on Thursday, the business announced.
The new location — and the second to operate in Thurston County — is at 2932 Capital Mall Drive SW, the corner of Capital Mall Drive and Cooper Point Road.
The new location is open 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays. The drive-thru will be open until 10 p.m, according to a news release.
The restaurant is locally owned and operated by Mike Cuomo, who served as a nuclear engineer in the Navy. He started his career at Chick-fil-A as a team member, according to the release.
The first Chick-fil-A here opened in Lacey, followed by the west Olympia site. A third Chick-fil-A has been proposed on Martin Way East on property currently occupied by Red Lobster.
Red Lantern opens; grand opening Saturday
The Asian fusion restaurant known as Red Lantern opened on Monday in downtown Olympia this week, and now its grand opening is set for Saturday, owner Tiffany Lin said.
The grand opening is 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at 120 Fifth Ave. SW. The restaurant serves Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai food, The Olympian previously reported.
What’s popular at Red Lantern? Some of the more popular dishes include Singapore noodles, yellow curry and “heavenly beef,” which is a grilled marinated beef served with garlic sauce. It is especially good with rice, Lin previously said.
Lin expanded her business to Olympia from Yelm. The Yelm location is at 10501 Creek St. SE, Suite 9.
Weddings with Joy reopens in Lacey
The bridal business Weddings with Joy, which spent most of its 43-year history on Pacific Avenue Southeast in Olympia, has moved and reopened this week in Lacey at 4412 Pacific Ave. SE.
Current owner Courtney Foreman has owned the business for 10 years, she said.
“We were kind of looking for a way to expand our business, and I really wanted a second entrance so that way we could potentially have our own menswear shop up there,” she said. “And so we have the wedding boutique downstairs now, and in about a year or so, we will start renovations on the top portion of the building.”
And instead of leasing, she and her husband Brad decided to buy the building, which is about 1,000 square feet larger than the previous location.
“It definitely is going to be a long-term investment for us,” she said.
Weddings with Joy is open by appointment. Schedule those appointments 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays.
Providence Health & Services announces layoffs
Providence Health & Services is laying off 57 people throughout the state early next year, including in Olympia, according to a worker adjustment and retraining notification received by the state Employment Security Department.
The layoffs begin Jan. 20, according to the state information.
A letter from the health care organization to the state shows that Providence St. Peter Hospital will have seven layoffs, while a Providence Medical Plaza office in Centralia is set have one layoff.
In the mood for a piroshky?
Seattle-based Piroshky Piroshky Bakery is giving South Sound residents a chance to order the sweet and savory pastries through its website with local pick-up, the business announced.
“Heads up, Tumwater — we’re heading your way!,” the website reads. “Mark your calendars for 12/18 and join us for our pre-order pick-up event where we bring the best of our bakery to you! Swing by to pick up your order and indulge in a wide selection of refreshing lagers, delightfully smooth sours, and more from our friends at Rainwater Brewing. Order by 12/18 for Tumwater/Olympia.”
Place those orders by 9 a.m. Dec. 17 for a Dec. 18 pick up at Rainwater Brewing, 2442 Mottman Road SW, Tumwater.
Medical clinic proposed for Rochester
A MultiCare medical clinic has been proposed in Rochester, according to a notice of land-use application announced by Thurston County.
“The applicant seeks approval of an Administrative Site Plan Review permit to construct an 11,520 square foot medical clinic with associated parking at 6541 196th Avenue SW, Rochester,” the project description reads.
Anyone who would like to comment on this proposal is asked to go to the project’s online comment form no later than 4 p.m. Dec. 22.
Olympia Federal Savings named a Best Bank for 2025
Olympia Federal Savings has been named one of the best community banks to work for, the thrift announced.
That’s according to the Independent Community Bankers of America, which featured Olympia Federal Savings in a December publication for banks in a $751 million to $1 billion asset category.
“Community banks like Olympia Federal Savings demonstrate how culture becomes a competitive advantage,” said ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey in a statement. “From service-driven leadership to shared prosperity, OlyFed shows how putting people first — every employee, customer, and neighbor — builds trust and deepens impact. We’re proud to celebrate their example.”
Honorees were selected based on an employee survey that evaluated corporate culture, leadership, compensation, work environment and advancement opportunities, according to a news release.
People news
Former Lacey Mayor Mark O. Brown has been appointed to the South Puget Sound Community College Board of Trustees by Governor Bob Ferguson, the college announced.
His term began Nov. 7 and ends Sept. 30, 2029.
“As a former community college student and graduate, I am honored to join the Board of Trustees at SPSCC,” said Brown in a statement. “The college plays a critical role in creating pathways for students to succeed and thrive. I look forward to supporting its mission and contributing to the continued growth of this outstanding institution.”
Brown serves on several boards, including the Executive Board of the Retired Public Employees Chapter 2, the Political Action Committee of the Retired Public Employees of Washington, and the city of Lacey Civil Service Commission. He previously served on the State Investment Board, the State Commission of Volunteerism, and numerous other boards in Thurston County, according to a news 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.
This story was originally published December 4, 2025 at 12:00 PM.