New coffee shops opens, nestled next to Bellingham’s waterfront hotel and shops
A new coffee shop is joining Bellingham’s coffee scene, named Fenex Coffee.
Fenex Coffee is opening at noon Saturday, Dec. 16 and is nestled near the Hotel Bellwether, offering beautiful waterfront views and coffee drinks.
The coffee shop was started by Derrick Watson, the majority owner of other Whatcom County businesses Fenex Salon and Spas, Maxx Hair Studios and the Zazen Salon and Spa.
The new coffee shop first started as an expansion of the Zazen Salon and Spa before Watson quickly changed directions.
“Originally our plan for expanding Zazen was to create additional treatment rooms and a steam room. However, upon realizing that we didn’t require all the space that this new unit would provide, we made the decision to incorporate a café at the front of the facility,” Watson wrote in an email to The Bellingham Herald.
The coffee shop is connected to Zazen Salon and Spa but is also accessible through a separate door on the outside of the shop.
“This would not only offer our current clients a place to relax before or after their appointments but also address the evident need for a coffee shop in the area. We are delighted to be filling this void and providing a gathering place for the community. As a self-proclaimed coffee enthusiast, I find great joy in the intricate chemistry behind brewing the perfect cup,” Watson wrote.
Fenex Coffee will serve espresso drinks, smoothies, teas, breakfast burritos, shakes, deli sandwiches and pastries. The shop is also emphasizing locally sourced foods, including coffee from Tony’s Coffee and milk from Edaleen Dairy and Twin Brooks. The new space also is available to host local events.
“Fenex Coffee Bellwether is the first of many community-centric locations to come. The café aims to host book signings, art shows, and feature local coffee roasters,” a news release states.
The coffee shop also has a beautiful waterfront location and has tables, chairs, free wi-fi and free parking for visitors.
“Our location is amazing! We have a beautiful view of Bellingham Bay and are connected to a world-class salon and spa. Situated next to The Hotel Bellwether, considered one of the most elegant hotels in Whatcom County, our coffee shop offers an incredible ambiance. We also pride ourselves on being walker-friendly, with amazing paths along the waterfront for a delightful stroll,” Watson wrote.
The new coffee shop is only the “initial phase” of the Zazen Salon and Spa revitalization project led by Watson and his partners, Jennifer Watson and Aju and Gabe Westergreen, that aims to add more treatment rooms, a new steam room, a full-service salon, couples’ and traditional massage rooms, esthetics rooms and a full-service nail salon, according to the news release.
Fenex Coffee is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily at 11 Bellwether Way, Suite 104 in Bellingham.
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