The whimsical vegan donut shop Dough Joy is opening its third location in Ballard. The owners Christopher Ballard and Sean Willis announced the news on Instagram, showing a short video of their new space—the former Cupcake Royale at 2052 NW Market St. Cupcake Royale closed just last month in Ballard after two decades on NW Market St. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DOUGH JOY (@doughjoydonuts) Dough Joy got its start as a donut food truck back in 2021. They parked it in Ballard when they first opened, right across from the now-shuttered Cycle Dogs on 17th Ave NW. Since the laun ..read more

The celebration to mark the opening of Ballard Common’s new playground is tomorrow (Saturday), April 20. The nautical-themed playground, years in the making, is aptly called “The Cove”. Ballard Alliance and Seattle Parks and Recreation are hosting the ribbon cutting, happening from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. tomorrow. The event will begin with a youth performance from School of Rock’s Bellevue House Band followed by the official ribbon cutting at noon. After the ribbon cutting, there will be more performances from School of Rock’s Seattle House Band, Little Stars Improv Comedy, Storytime with Fabi from ..read more

A new Blundstone store has opened at 5342 Ballard Ave NW. The owners of Market Street Shoes Lanne and Ryan Stauffer are behind the new Blundstone store, which quietly opened last weekend. The Ballard store is the first West Coast Blundstone location. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Market Street Shoes (@marketstreetshoes) The Stauffers plan to host a grand opening party to celebrate the new store. Blundstone’s hours are Sunday to Thursday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Photo: Market Street Shoes ..read more

Maria Luisa Empanadas has recently opened their doors at 928 Leary way NW. Maria Luisa Empanadas, which used to operate in SoDo, has taken over the former Schmaltzy’s Delicatessen location, which closed in July 2022. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Maria Luisa Empanadas (@marialuisaempanadas) Owner Rodrigo Cappagli is Argentinian; he says the inspiration for the restaurant came from watching his grandmother Maria Luisa make “hundreds of empanadas” for their family gatherings. The empanaderia hosted a grand opening party last weekend, and as an opening special, is offering ..read more

The project to improve pedestrian safety at 15th Ave NW and NW 83rd St is now complete. SDOT’s 15th Ave NW at NW 83rd Street Pedestrian Safety Enhancements project has been in the works for years. It was selected way back in 2019 as one of 15 Neighborhood Street Fund projects that year. The pandemic and other factors delayed the completion of the project, which includes the following improvements: New pedestrian and bike signal Pedestrian refuge island Marked crosswalks on the north and south sides of the intersection Designated crossing for east- and westbound cyclists Restrictions on n ..read more

Fremont Brewing (1050 N 34th St) has just sold to the parent company of Pike Brewing. Seattle Hospitality Group (SHG), which also owns Ethan Stowell Restaurants, now has a controlling stake in Fremont Brewing. In a press release, SHG said the acquisition means they will provide Fremont Brewing with resources and support to accelerate its growth plans. While each brewery will maintain its existing brand identity, Fremont and Pike Brewing (acquired in 2021) will work together to “push the boundaries of local craft beer excellence and growth.” Fremont Brewing owner Matt Lincecum said he’s excited ..read more

The project to repave 15th Ave NW and the Ballard Bridge is on the docket for this summer. We first reported on the paving project in May 2022, when SDOT had expected to conduct the work in 2023. But after some delays, construction is looking more certain for this summer. SDOT selected contractor (Gary Merlino Construction) for the work, which they say could start as early as June. Along with repaving 15th Ave NW between NW 57th St and W Emerson St, SDOT plans to create a new landscaped median between NW 54th St and NW 50th St. They’ll plant new trees, replace sidewalk curb ramps tha ..read more

The recently opened Sailfish restaurant in Ballard is now closed, with plans in the works for Ballard Cut to take its place. Ballard restaurateur Tommy Patrick opened Sailfish last fall—it was a pivot from Patrick’s Filipino restaurant Bunsoy that occupied the former Matador location. But after staffing issues and the down restaurant economy, Patrick has decided to close Sailfish. Patrick, who also owns Ballard Cut and Parish NW, said it made more sense to consolidate rather than keep Sailfish open. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sailfish (@sailfishballard) “I had to make a d ..read more

The Ballard Verity Credit Union (5711 24th Ave NW) is closing its doors on June 14. Verity announced the closure this week, saying the decision “aligns with its commitment as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), and reached after thorough consideration and evaluation.”  In an email to members, Verity said they offered the Ballard branch staff positions at other locations. The closest Verity branches that will remain open include: Wallingford: 4545 Stone Way Seattle, WA 98103 Greenwood: 8533 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103 Northgate: 11027 Meridian Ave N ..read more

Fitness 19 (5680 24th Ave NW) is closing permanently next week after 13 years in Ballard. The gym, which opened in Ballard in 2011, sent out a letter to members saying April 15 is their last day open. “It has been a privilege to serve your fitness needs,” the owners wrote in the letter. “Unfortunately, we have made the difficult decision to close this location permanently on April 15, 2024, but your fitness is still our highest priority, and we want to ensure your ability to keep the important commitment you have made to a healthy lifestyle.” Fitness 19 is transferring all current memberships ..read more