New downtown cafe opens with plans for more — plus casino lounge adds sports
Jennifer Keen comes from a long line of business owners, so it’s no surprise that the woman who used to run a small business in Centralia is doing it all over again in Olympia.
Her previous business, Pacific Northwest Espresso, didn’t survive the COVID-19 pandemic, but she said the idea of running a combination coffee shop and wine bar “never left her head,” and when she saw a Fourth Avenue space become available, she went for it.
Although the business, which opened this month, is called Corks and Brews, the wine and beer side of the business is still to come. Meanwhile, she is focused on espresso, tea and energy drink infusions, with plans to add pastries and other grab-and-go food items.
Keen wanted to be in downtown Olympia, and the space she found is at 203 Fourth Ave. E, Suite A. It’s right next door to Rush In Dumplings and across the street from Harlequin Productions’ State Theater.
“It’s the perfect size,” said Keen, adding that for now her business is a one-woman show.
She serves Olympia Coffee Roasting Co. coffee and has a Drink of the Day. The day she spoke to The Olympian it was a mint mocha freckle, which includes chocolate chips and chocolate syrup.
Keen seems pleased to be back in business after a short stint working in other industries.
“I miss my people,” she said.
Corks and Brews is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.
Other business happenings
Aberdeen-based Bank of the Pacific has filed an application with federal regulators to establish a branch office at 520 Union Ave. SE in Olympia, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
That location places it just east of the downtown headquarters for Washington State Employees Credit Union.
Bank of the Pacific has a South Sound commercial banking office in Olympia and it will relocate to the new branch. The branch is expected to open Nov. 20, the parent company announced in a separate release.
“The lease for our Olympia commercial banking center location is expiring, affording us the opportunity to relocate to a more central, higher-visibility site where we can continue to provide the exceptional customer service and banking solutions we’re known for in Washington and Oregon,” said President and CEO Denise Portmann in a statement.
The Tuned In Academy, a music school in Olympia, is about to buy its longtime home at 202 Phoenix St. NE, owner Sean-David McGoran announced in an email to The Olympian.
About a year ago, McGoran told the newspaper that owning his location would be ideal because it would keep him in Olympia and would secure tuition levels. Future rent increases might have affected tuition, he said.
Little Creek Casino Resort’s Starlight Lounge is now the Starlight Sports Bar and Lounge. It will celebrate a grand opening at 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14.
The Starlight has an elevated stage for live music, a dance floor, and 12, 85-inch screens encircling the room — plus there’s a 20-foot mega screen, the resort said in a news release.
“The menu is proudly serving all-fresh-never-frozen cuts of meat, and really has something for everyone,” said Head Chef Joel Santiago in a statement. “With 20 beers on tap, specialty craft cocktails, and a mouthwatering dessert menu, you are going to have some tough decisions to make.”
Capital Place, a Holiday by Atria independent living community on Black Lake Boulevard near Capital Mall, has kicked off a $2 million renovation project to upgrade design and amenities.
The work is expected to be completed this winter.
One element of the renovation is to create an expanded fitness room. The game lounge, living room with library, atrium, dining room and salon also will receive extensive renovations. Other improvements include added audio/video capabilities in all common areas, exterior enhancements, and energy-efficient lighting.
“For us, this will feel like an ‘extreme makeover’ to create new and enhanced ways for our residents to stay active, build new friendships and enjoy what inspires them,” said Kathy Marlow, general manager at Holiday Capital Place.
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.
