U.S. Bank to close Meridian drive up
U.S. Bank is closing its drive-up branch in Bellingham at 4040 Meridian St. near Bellis Fair mall effective Thursday, July 11. “As client’s banking preferences and behaviors change, including a rapid migration toward digital and mobile banking platforms, we are reevaluating our physical footprint, and in some instances making changes to what it looks like going forward,” a U.S. Bank spokesperson said in a statement. The spokesperson said the bank’s other Bellingham location, at 121 W. Holly St., will continue to operate, as will its Ferndale and Lynden branches.
Pepper Sisters shuts for summer
Pepper Sisters, the long-established southwestern restaurant at 1055 N. State St. in downtown Bellingham, announced it is taking a break for the summer — and maybe longer. The restaurant said in a Facebook post that starting July 1, it will be on “a summer hiatus.” “We aren’t sure when we will be back, but hope to cook you sopapillas again someday,” the post reads. “Times are tough for the restaurant industry right now, so support your favorite spots as much as you can.” Pepper Sisters last closed for what it then called a “much-needed break” between October 2022 and February 2023.
Second Bellingham Chipotle to open
Chipotle Mexican Grill confirms the casual restaurant chain is opening a second Bellingham location on Friday, June 28. The new spot will be at 104 Samish Way in the Sehome neighborhood and will “feature the brand’s signature Chipotlane, a drive-thru pick-up lane that allows guests to conveniently pick up digital orders without leaving their cars,” according to a company spokesperson. Chipotle already operates a restaurant inside Bellis Fair mall.
Angel investors set startup pitch competition
Bellingham Angel Investors is looking for entrepreneurs “with an innovative idea” to enter its Startup Pitch Competition on Nov. 2 at Whatcom Community College. The investment group, founded in 2005, is holding the contest as part of renewed outreach “to stimulate the local startup and investment community and help ideas grow into viable businesses,” according to its LinkedIn post. Applications for the $10,000 contest are due Aug. 25; founders and businesses must be located in Whatcom or Skagit counties. The no-charge application and more information are available at bellinghamangelinvestors.com.
Skagit Tourism Bureau names marketing exec
Elizabeth Tyler is the new marketing director for the Skagit Tourism Bureau. Tyler most recently held the same title at Experience Anacortes. The announcement of the appointment from the Skagit County organization said Tyler will focus on increasing overnight visitor numbers, enhancing brand visibility and maximizing revenue generation. “Elizabeth’s experience in marketing and tourism, along with her creative and analytical thinking, allows her to blend storytelling with data-driven decision-making,” CEO Kristen Keltz said. Keltz assumed the Bureau’s top role in late 2023.
Skagit economic agency manager to lead newspaper org
Ellen Hiatt has left her position as external relations specialist and Leadership Skagit program manager at the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County to take on a new role: that of executive director of the Washington Newspaper Publishers’ Association. EDASC said Hiatt, a former journalist, “is returning to her passion of supporting the development of local news.” Meanwhile, EDASC said Leadership Skagit — a program to develop community leaders — has received a $5,000 Blackburn Family grant from the Skagit Community Foundation to help support the joint effort with Skagit Valley College.
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The Chipotle item was updated with a specific date due to new information from the company on June 25.
Frank Catalano writes about business and related topics for CDN; reach him at frankcatalano@cascadiadaily.com.
