By Justin Aufdermauer
Executive Director
Every so often I like to take a moment and reflect on the amount of development taking place all around us. Now seems like as good a time as any, as new businesses are moving in, and favorite businesses are finding new locations to thrive in.
Starting north of town, the construction of the new Dutch Bros is coming along beautifully and made a lot of progress with the nicer weather. This location is a prototype for Dutch Bros that will focus more on creating a pedestrian atmosphere, while maintaining the popular drive through.
Just south of the new Dutch Bros is the brand new location for Recess. It’s great to have them back on the food scene after their unexpected closure several months ago. The new location offers ample parking and a park like setting to enjoy some delicious, home made food. If you haven’t paid them a visit yet, be sure to do so soon and welcome them back.
Speaking of food trucks, have you visited Flavors on First yet? The new food cart court next to Kimmel’s hardware is already home to Nani Pappaa’ Hawaiian, Sab Thai, and The Biscuit Box NW with more on the way. Tons of parking, and on site picnic tables have turned an empty lot into a happening spot, and the great downtown location has made these food carts a walkable journey for anyone working or visiting downtown. We look forward to new food carts moving in to fill out the space and bring a diverse choice of foods to our area.
As we all know, location is an important piece of any business – perhaps one of the most important. Here in the next two months, Madeline’s Vintage Market will be moving – temporarily – to the former Salvation Army building on Fourth Street.
The move is due to a structural issue with the building that the landlord is having addressed. Because it will require building temporary walls in the downstairs portion and boarding up the windows, Madeline’s will have to vacate until the work is completed. Construction is slated to begin the first week of July, and Madelines should be moved into their temporary spot by the end of June. Be sure to help spread the word and let people know where they’ve moved.
And just about the time that Madeline’s is moving to their pop up location, Tora Sushi Lounge Tillamook should be opening for business in the former Pancake House location. Their remodel and the finishing of the new sidewalks should all be wrapping up at the same time and I know plenty of us will be welcoming them to the downtown food scene with open arms. I made sushi at the 2nd Street Public Market for years and even then there has been an outcry for a sushi restaurant in TIllamook, and it’s very exciting to see this endeavor come to fruition (especially since it’s nextdoor to the Chamber Headquarters).
But wait there’s more! Rosenberg’s Building Supply has added a new lumber yard to their location; Sandcreek Dental is building their new building on the corner of 9th and Main Avenue – and it’s coming together quickly; and a new business has opened up in the Masonic Lodge Building on Second Street: Salty Raven sells all original artwork on t-shirts, stickers, coffee mugs and more. You can buy their merchandise across the street at Lucky Bear Soap Co., or visit their store location during special downtown event days (like Moonlight Madness). They will also be vending from time to time at the Tillamook Farmers Market.