RSSShop Talk: Comings and goings at Valley eateries
Yakima Herald-Republic
E-mail
Print
Comments
More 'Your Money'
- Have a dream wedding without nightmare costs
- One woman's story-- A wedding Q&A
- 02/01/10 In Basket
- Shop Talk: There are plenty of Papas still around
- Some words of advice as tax time arrives
- Shop Talk: A few keys to success for local businesses
- 01/25/10 In Basket
It's been one of those weeks.
There's no doubt in my mind that retailers are working hard to get customers to shop this holiday season. I've found that reporting about shopping is actually more tiring that shopping itself.
There's also been plenty of nonholiday activity that's kept me going, as you will find out in this week's Reporter's Notebook.
Bob's Burgers and Brew is still busy
I managed to catch owner Jeff Roberts on the phone last week, but for only a few minutes.
The fact that Roberts hasn't had a chance to take a breather and chat more in-depth about the restaurant's opening is a pretty good sign. The restaurant has continued to be standing room only in its second week.
Roberts did manage to tell me that the restaurant at 121 N. Fair Ave. is already receiving repeat customers.
"We have people coming two to three times a week," Roberts said.
What about you, Shop Talk readers? Have you had a chance to check out the new restaurant? If so, tell me about it.
Fish and chips shop opens in Yakima
With so many restaurants opening in the Valley this year, some of them open with little fanfare.
Well, one reader couldn't keep the silence for long about a restaurant that opened this month on Yakima Avenue. Al Garnet let me know about Ahoy Fish and Chips, which recently opened at 913 W. Yakima Ave.:
"(The restaurant) has wonderful fish and burgers along with an assortment of other items that Yakima has been lacking for awhile ... (Its) batter is crispy and crunchy and the cod is the real deal!"
I managed to reach co-owner Peter Jun. Jun, 50, moved to Yakima a year ago from San Francisco, where he ran another fish and chips shop and a hamburger shop.
He decided to offer both items with his new business in Yakima. So far Jun's happy with the results.
"People like our homemade style," Jun said, noting that the fish is hand-battered in the traditional English style and that he's touched up the Ivar's clam chowder with his own ingredients.
The restaurant's hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. It is closed on Sunday.
Coffee shop at the Valley Mall closes
Columbia Steppe Northwest Coffeehouse closed for good last week after six years in business.
The coffeehouse opened in the Union Gap shopping center in November 2003. The shop, located next to Orange Julius, sold coffee, food items and beer and wine.
Owner Vicki Writer told me last week that the lease was up for the shop and she decided to move on. They have no plans to relocate elsewhere.
Meanwhile, the mall is looking for a similar use for the space, Valley Mall manager Allie Stewart said.
Any guesses on what might end up there? I'll keep a watch out.
Black Friday follow up
Thanks to everyone who shared their shopping stories and strategies for Thanksgiving weekend. I had a great time listening to everyone's stories.
But we're just starting here at Shop Talk. There's still more than three weeks until Christmas, so come back here and visit the Shop Talk blog (www.yakimaherald.com/shoptalk) to see what else is happening in the local retail world.
Until next time, happy shopping.
* Mai Hoang's Reporter's Notebook is published Mondays in the Your Money section. To reach her, call 509-577-7685 or e-mail mhoang@yakimaherald.com.
Any truth to the rumours that Sage is going to close in the next few weeks?
Report ViolationWoW can't imagine them closing. I hear they have a few glitches but not enough to close up the doors...that would be a shame..its a nice building. To spendy for my budget so I have never gone in there..
Report ViolationI noticed Auntie Anne's Pretzels opened in the Valley Mall. The food court is still pitiful, with only 3 food choices. It sure would be nice to have a Ivars, Cinnabon, a Thai or Mexican food place in the mall. I also think it would be a good idea for them to move the Orange Julius upstairs and free up more retail space on the ground level.. just my opinion.
Report Violation
Posting Guidelines - Updated Aug. 21 2009
Readers are encouraged to use these forums to discuss issues affecting the
Yakima Valley. Debate the ideas presented in stories and other comments, but
refrain from personal attacks and offensive remarks aimed at others; e.g.,
you may call an idea idiotic, but don't say the person is an idiot. The
Herald-Republic reserves the right to remove any comment for any reason.
Examples include material that is obscene, encourages illegal activity or
stereotypes based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs and
other factors. Continued violation of these guidelines can lead to
suspension or revocation of your ability to post comments. If you believe a
comment is inappropriate, you can bring it to our attention by clicking the
"report violation" link by each comment. Guidelines revised Aug. 21, 2009.
Registered User?
