Of the four Haggen grocery stores in Bellingham, one has a peculiar nickname.
The Haggen at 2814 Meridian St. in the Fountain District is called “Dark Haggen.” The nickname is a reference to the darker walls and dimmer lights of the store, according to employees.
Kelli Little, who has worked at “Dark Haggen” for 35 years, said she doesn’t recall when people started calling it that, but said she’s had several customers ask her about the nickname. The other locations — in Fairhaven, Sehome and Barkley — are comparatively brighter.
The nickname expanded beyond the store. In 2018, Menace Brewing, located just down the street at 2529 Meridian St., launched the Dark Haggen Porter — named after the grocery store’s nickname.
“This beauty, much like its namesake, is dark and mysterious but in a welcoming way … Ya know?” the brewery wrote in an April 2018 Facebook post.
Menace stopped selling the Dark Haggen Porter two years ago.
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Charlotte Alden is CDN’s general assignment/enterprise reporter; reach her at charlottealden@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 123.
