Business Stories - San Juan Islands

Lancaster family buys ACE Hardware on Orcas

Scott and Therese Lancaster have purchased the Orcas Home Central ACE Hardware Store in Eastsound as of June 12, 2008. Scott Lancaster comes to the Eastsound hardware store after nearly 15 years’ experience at Island Hardware and Supply.

Orcas couple opens chocolate shop in Eastsound Square

The locally produced food scene just got sweeter this week. A new chocolaterie, Kathryn Taylor Chocolates, opened this month in the Eastsound Square. Ted and Susan Aspinall have created an intimate space where one can savor hand-made chocolates – many using local ingredients – pastries, espressos, tea, or chocolate beverages such as champurrado or nina.

Tobacco Costs to Employers and Employees

Council Votes to Continue Subsidies on Owner-Builder Permit Fees

Citing real estate market woes, Coldwell Banker Orcas Island closes shop

On Saturday, May 31, Coldwell Banker Orcas Island closed the doors of the historic church manse it occupied on North Beach Road in Eastsound. Martha Warachowski, temporary designated broker for the business, made the tough decision on Monday, May 26, when plans to continue the business under the brokership of longtime Realtor Harvey Olsan and management by Realtor Jeff Miles (temporary designated broker) fell through.

San Juan Chamber needs another $1.5K in fireworks donations

The San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce is in the final days of raising funds to pay for the spectacular Fourth of July fireworks show held every year in Friday Harbor.

San Juan businesses see profits fall amid high gas prices, bad weather

Some Friday Harbor business owners say tourist traffic is down compared to June 2007. And they say they are feeling the financial pinch.

Dentures are now the next-to-the-best thing

New technique not only helps dentures stay snug, but also helps bone structure stay healthy

Whidbey, Frontier bank merger is off | San Juan Business Briefs

Whidbey Island Bank, which has a branch in Friday Harbor, will not become Frontier Bank.

Vic’s Drive-In on San Juan celebrates 50 years on June 28

When Vic’s Drive-In opened 50 years ago June 28, it resembled a drive-in more than it does now. It was a smaller version of “American Graffiti’s” Mel’s, a mom-and-pop shop where you could pull up, place your order, and enjoy your meal in the comfort of your car — one of America’s favorite eating venues in the Eisenhower era. There was just the kitchen then, and an order window. There was no indoor seating, just tables along the side and in back. Cars parked diagonally along Second Street then.

San Juan Septic under new ownership | San Juan Business Briefs

Business updates and announcements from around the San Juans.