Former Fish Tale has new tenant, an eatery reopens, and a hotel and restaurant open in Lacey
The two public faces behind ilk Beer, who recently launched the business and operate the brewery out of 9,200 square feet of space on Cherry Street, have decided to take their plans a step further.
Patrick Jansen and Aubrey “Abe” Burt were planning to open a taproom, but once the former Fish Tale Brew Pub on Jefferson Street became available, they went from taproom to restaurant. It’s called ilk Lodge and its soft opening is from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 27.
Both said they wanted to open the business on Arts Walk as a way to introduce themselves to the public, but also to pay tribute to the Fish Tale Brew Pub, which closed its doors last June.
“Fish originally opened their doors for Arts Walk and we wanted to do the same,” Burt said.
What can you expect if you visit on Saturday? Beer, burgers and fries. They will have 12 Ilk Beers on tap, including the always popular IPA-style beers. But they also have produced some beers with lower alcohol by volume that might be more food friendly and allow customers to try two or three rather than just one strong IPA.
Jansen has a foot in both the beer and burger worlds. He was a longtime home brewer before he became a founding brewer at Three Magnets Brewing in downtown Olympia and Matchless Brewing in Tumwater. He later formed a pop-up business called Carbon Pop in which he produced smash-style burgers — a burger cooked with a sear to lock in the flavor of the patty.
In preparation for Saturday, Jansen will be busy making buns, he said.
Beginning May 2, Ilk Lodge will operate Thursdays through Sundays. The food and drink menu will expand to include local ciders as well as hot dogs, possibly corn dogs, fries and onion rings, Burt said. They also are looking to add vegan and gluten-free options as well, she said.
Some other names associated with the business: Jorgen Burt, a graphic designer and Aubrey’s brother, who has designed the beer labels for the business, and partners Rob Booher and Christian Zweifel.
Fish Tale used to sound a whistle and ilk Lodge plans to do the same. Listen for it at 5 p.m. today (Friday) and 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
Other business happenings
Pellegrino’s Italian Kitchen on Cleveland Avenue in Tumwater, which closed earlier this month for renovations, reopened for business on Thursday, April 25.
WoodSpring Suites in Olympia, an extended stay lodging, has opened for business in the 3900 block of Martin Way East, not far from the Chehalis Western Trail.
The site houses 122 rooms across four floors.
Lacey has a new restaurant called Toast Mi, which serves the Vietnamese sandwich known as Bahn Mi, as well as rice bowls, boba tea and coffee. The business has opened in the Fred Meyer shopping center at 730 Sleater Kinney Road SE, although it is closer to Pacific Avenue.
Downtown Olympia’s Washington Business Bank, which is set to be acquired by Sound Credit Union, reported a drop in its quarterly profit because of that pending deal, the bank announced.
The bank reported a first-quarter profit of $312,191, down 19.6% from the $388,182 the bank earned in the first quarter of 2023.
“Earnings for the quarter were primarily lower due to expenses associated with the previously announced agreement for Sound Credit Union to purchase the bank. Deal expenses were approximately $102,000, pre-tax,” bank officials said.
The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter.
Japanese steakhouse reopens, Italian restaurant renovates, and what’s up at the former Izzy’s?
Downtown Olympia’s first brewpub to close, plus city set to hear ‘whiskey library’ plan
Downtown Olympia bank to be acquired by Tacoma-based credit union
If you know of a retailer, restaurant, coffee shop or other business that is opening, closing, expanding, remodeling, or changing its focus, send an email to reporter Rolf Boone at rboone@theolympian.com.
