New food hall opening in downtown Olympia. It will have a New Year’s Eve party
The culinary co-op known as Altitude 15 in downtown Olympia is coming into focus as it prepares for two events, including a New Year’s Eve grand opening, said Cher Hobbick, who co-owns the business with her husband, Mike.
The business is set to open at 225 State Ave. NE, the former site of the Providence Community Care Center. That space has been turned into a destination that will eventually feature four food vendors, preparing and serving food that can be enjoyed on the spot.
In some ways it’s similar to a food court: customers will order at one of four counters and then take their seat, said Cher.
The first two vendors are Atlas, a hamburger restaurant that Cher is running, and Double Tap Tap House, which she described as a delicatessen that will serve, among other things, sandwiches and beer. The two remaining spaces are still available.
The “co-op” angle of the business is that it has shared kitchen facilities, so all the prospective foodie has to do is bring their cooking gear. Altitude 15 wanted to provide the backbone of a restaurant but in a cost-effective manner, she said.
At Atlas, expect hamburgers, cheeseburgers, a barbecue burger and an avocado bacon cheeseburger, Cher said.
“Burgers are my deserted island food,” she said.
After its New Year’s Eve grand opening, Altitude 15 will operate from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the week and open later on the weekends. A breakfast buffet is under consideration for Sunday mornings, she said.
The two upcoming events:
- Altitude 15 will host a Thurston County Chamber of Commerce business after hours event at 5:15 p.m. Dec. 18. “Enjoy mingling with business professionals from around Thurston County. Connect with friends and enjoy beverages and appetizers,” the event information reads.
- And then the big one: the New Year’s Eve grand opening. It’s set from 6:45 p.m. Dec. 31 until after midnight Jan. 1. “Guests will enjoy a hosted bar, complimentary gourmet bites and games,” the event information reads. “Dress to impress — this is a formal affair designed for those who love a little glamour with their good fortune.” Tickets are required. For more information, see the event information Facebook page.
Why name it Altitude 15? Cher said that term happens to be written in granite in the sidewalk in front of the business.
“We took it and ran with it,” she said.
Feed store will close
Kiperts Korner Feed, a longtime feed store in Tumwater on Old Highway 99, will close, owner Craig Kinnaman announced on Facebook.
“Now I’m making a very hard decision — but it’s one by choice, not forced,” his post reads. “I’ve always worked three times as hard for everyone else than for myself, and at this stage in life, I’d like my plate to be a little less full.
He added: “This is a retirement sale — we don’t need to blow the doors off everything — but we do want to say thank you in a meaningful way.”
The store is projected to close at the end of next March. It first opened 35 years ago.
“Kiperts Korner Feed started in 1990 from absolutely nothing,” his post reads. “We bought a semi-truckload of straw, a semi-truckload of alfalfa, 500 bales of local grass hay, and 8 tons of Darigold grain. I had no business background — just street smarts and a love for feed stores.
“From day one my goal was simple: work hard, have fun, and surround myself with good people — customers and co-workers. I wanted old-fashioned service, a clean environment, and to be well respected throughout the community.”
City to hear apartment pitch for Sleater Kinney Road
The city of Olympia’s site plan review committee is set to hear from developer representatives of Sage Homes Northwest in Everett about a 276-unit multifamily proposal in the area of Sleater Kinney Road Northeast and Sixth Avenue Northeast.
The meeting is at 9 a.m. Dec. 17. The site plan review committee gives developers a chance to learn what local government will require of their projects before they become official.
In addition to the apartments, the Western Trails development calls for a “building/leasing office, a pool and associated amenities, approximately 415 parking stalls for the residential and community/leasing building, open space, on-site landscaping and associated storm drainage,” a project description reads.
County issues revised information
You have more time to comment on a proposed MultiCare medical clinic in Rochester, the county announced.
The comment period is now open until 4 p.m. Dec. 30. To comment, the county asks that you use the project’s online comment form.
The county previously announced that “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.”
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.