The wait is over: Olympia breakfast sandwich, coffee and baked goods biz opens
Glowies, the downtown Olympia breakfast sandwich, coffee and baked goods business, has opened on Fourth Avenue, the owners announced this week.
The first day of business was Sunday, March 22, said co-owner Tiernan Gillan.
“We could not have been happier at Olympia for showing up and putting up with us,” he said. “It took forever to open, and we were a little worried people forgot about us.”
But they did not, said co-owner Lexie Castaneto, adding that they have been very busy.
“It’s amazing how many people are showing up to support us,” she said. “That’s meant everything to us.”
The business is also getting positive feedback on the food, which has been very validating, Castaneto said.
What delayed the opening?
Gillan said it was “old building stuff,” such as fixing leaks and addressing the plumbing.
What’s the most popular breakfast sandwich so far?
The sausage, egg and cheese, which is served on a house-made brioche. Baked goods have been popular, too, including an Earl Grey shortbread cookie that has been selling out, Gillan said.
The business, too, has applied for a liquor license to sell bloody marys, mimosas, as well as six-packs of beer and chilled wine from a retail fridge, he said.
Glowies is looking for three more employees, Gillan said.
“Three hard-working, fun-loving, just beautiful goofballs who love to bake,” he said.
Glowies is at 113 Fourth Ave. W., between Captol Way and Columbia Street. The business is open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.
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Care for a Cure Boutique opens on west side
The former Seattle Children’s Bargain Boutique on Harrison Avenue, which closed last year, is now home to a similar business with a recognizable face and dozens of the same volunteers, said Chris Shultz this week.
Shultz was the former manager of the Bargain Boutique, but now he’s running the Care for a Cure Boutique, which opened last month. It operates under a nonprofit called Vets for Kids, but its mission is the same: net proceeds from the store go to support four guilds at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
The business sells a mix of new and used clothing, household items, books, jewelry and collectibles, he said.
The store is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Donations are accepted 10:30 a.m. to 4 pm. Mondays through Saturdays.
To make a donation, you drive around to the back of the store, either by taking Division Street and turning left onto Garfield Avenue, or driving around back in the direction of Westside Lanes.
Care for a Cure Boutique is at 2020 Harrison Ave.
More about MultiCare’s new medical center
MultiCare Health System, which operates Capital Medical Center in west Olympia, is working its way toward opening a 10,000-square-foot primary care clinic in the Grand Mound/Rochester area.
The clinic will house about 14 primary care providers, said Will Callicoat, president of Capital Medical Center and the Thurston County Market Leader for MultiCare here.
There is demand for primary care because the county is growing but also aging, he said.
“We’ve added a lot of primary care in the last five years, and our goal is to continue to grow that,” Callicoat said.
Why south Thurston County? It’s an underserved area, he said.
People news
Brian Bunt is the new director of sales and marketing for Shelton-based Belco Forest Products, the business announced.
Bunt joins Belco after nearly two decades at building materials supplier WindsorONE, where he held several executive leadership roles, including vice president of strategic initiatives and vice president of marketing, according to a news release.
At Belco, Bunt will oversee national sales and marketing programs as the company continues expanding its presence in exterior trim and millwork, the release reads.
“We’re excited to welcome Brian to the Belco team,” said Bill Staley, CEO of Belco Forest Products, in a statement. “Brian brings a rare combination of brand strategy, sales leadership, and a deep understanding of building products. His experience will be key as Belco continues expanding our reach and strengthening relationships across the country.”
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 March 27, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
