After nearly 18 years in downtown Bellingham, Bayou on Bay will close its doors for good in a couple of months — but not without one last hurrah. The community is invited to say goodbye at a “grand finale” Mardi Gras party on Tuesday, March 4.
In a Jan. 14 Facebook post, Owner Steve Crosier attributed the closure to his impending retirement. The news came just two months after Boundary Bay Brewery, another longtime downtown restaurant, announced plans to shutter its Railroad Avenue location in September.
“With my lease coming to an end, rising costs making it harder to sustain the business, and recognizing that I no longer have the energy I once did, it feels like the right time to turn the page and step into retirement,” Crosier wrote.
Bayou on Bay opened in 2007 and is known for Cajun and Creole dishes like jambalaya, po’ boys and gumbo, as well as boozy brunches. Business will continue as usual until March 4, when staff will “honor the amazing run we’ve had” at a final Mardi Gras party. Further updates will be available on social media (@bayouonbay).
“When we first opened in the spring of 2007, it was just me, my daughters, and a small, dedicated team, fueled by a shared dream and passion,” Crosier wrote. “ … Today, we are a team of nearly 40 hardworking, talented individuals who feel like family, and I couldn’t be prouder of everything we’ve built together.”
Bayou on Bay is open from 3–9 p.m. Thursday, 3–10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at 1300 Bay St. until March 4. Info: bayouonbay.com.
Cocoa Laney is CDN’s lifestyle editor; reach her at cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 128.
