A popular Yelm business is putting down roots in Tenino.
The owners of the Yelm Shiplap Shop & Coffee House hope to open The Shiplap Quilt Shop and Coffee House in the Stone City’s downtown area in late October, according to a news release from the Thurston Economic Development Council.
“We are excited for our new project in Tenino and appreciate the assistance of the Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) in securing a location for it.” said Gary Rurup, an owner and managing partner of the business. “We have been looking for a Tenino location for several months and were not able to secure one that met our needs.”
The business will be located at 325 Sussex West. The building was previously eyed as a location for the Bountiful! Market Place, a mix of business and visitor centers selling locally made products.
According to the release, the EDC and Rural Programs Manager George Sharp decided not to compete with the private sector.
Stakeholders hope the second Shiplap location “will become a destination for quilting enthusiasts from all over the Pacific Northwest.”
The Tenino Shiplap will offer a variety of hot and cold beverages, along with Twister donuts and fritters, similar to the Yelm location. In addition to fabric, the store will offer repurposed furniture and modern farmhouse décor.
“Our job at the EDC is to create a dynamic, sustainable and prosperous economy in Thurston County that provides employment, cultural, educational and investment opportunities,” said Michael Cade, executive director of the Thurston Economic Development Council, in the news release.
The EDC credited its South Thurston Economic Development Initiative (STEDI) for the new business locating in Tenino.
“We are excited that Shiplap wants to support area artisans and specialty food product producers at the shop,” said Sharp, who leads the initiative. “We look forward to watching them grow and improve the local economy. We will continue to work on the creative economy with our STEDI partners and see Shiplap as a great new ally in Tenino.”
“I’m very appreciative of the Thurston EDC effort to ensure that Shiplap would be able to start up their new location in Tenino this year,” said Chris Hallett, a local Edward Jones adviser who owns the building Shiplap is moving into. “It’s fantastic that Shiplap believes in and is investing in the Tenino community.”
Tenino Mayor Wayne Fournier said the city has gained a reputation as a great place to grow a business.
“The Shiplap Quilt Shop fits nicely into our goal to grow the creative economy and support our Washington State Arts Commission Certified Tenino Creative District effort,” he said in the release. “They will bring new jobs, visitors and revenues to Tenino.”
The Shiplap Quilt Shop and Coffee House will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
