Business is Booming in Westport

Dani Dooley

What do you think about when I say Westport? Some say crab and some say fish, while others say “the end of the road”. Most would not say “coastal beach town”, at least not anymore. Not since the 1990’s has the community been a beach destination when the once bustling and booming coastal community was hit hard by changes in fishing regulations, the effects of erosion and the changing economic climate of the county. But, as coastal residents know well, the tides do change and a few years ago, so did Westport.

Several year ago, Ocosta School District started their first-of-its-kind tsunami evacuation tower located just outside city limits. You’ve probably seen it in the news. What you may not have heard however, is that the past two years have also included a slow and steady stream of improvements for the area. If you haven’t been to Westport recently, you may be surprised a the wide variety of new businesses that have arrived. It’s a lot more than crab, these days.

Going back a couple years here is a list of new businesses in town listed from oldest to newest.

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1. Shop N Kart

The Shop N Kart ribbon cutting was just the beginning for new business in Westport. Photo credit: Greater Grays Harbor, Inc.

Westport was without a grocery store for several years, but in March of 2015 the local Shop N Kart chain opened in the old Red Apple building. Westport is their third market with others located in Chehalis and Centralia. The Westport Shop N Kart is a full service grocery with a fresh produce section, a cut-to-order butcher’s block, a deli and bakery and spirits as well as general grocery items. Fishermen will be happy to hear that the Shop N Kart sells fishing bait/supplies, Discover Passes, and WDFW game licenses. Campers can find RV supplies, bag ice and exchange their propane tanks as well. The staff is friendly and the prices are reasonable. Sales are listed on their facebook page as well.

Robert Allen, Store Manager
108 S Montesano St
Westport, WA 98595
(360) 268-7687
Hours: 6am-9pm daily

2. Westport Cottages

Welcome to Westport Marina Cottages, your new Westport escape. Photo credit: Dani Dooley

Location, location, location! These cute cottages couldn’t be in a better spot for fishermen, surfers, storm watchers, wildlife observers and lover’s of the sea. The Westport Cottages are nestled into the far north end of the Westport marina overlooking the boats on one side and the mouth of Grays Harbor on the other. These comfortable and well-designed luxury cottages are handicap accessible and pet-friendly. Besides walking out your door to the beach, you will also be a quick stroll to cute shops, restaurants, the Maritime Museum, fresh seafood markets and miles of beach and paths. Check out their Facebook page for seasonal specials, and make reservations through WestportMarinaCottages.com.

481 Neddie Rose Dr
Westport, Washington
(360) 268-7680
Office Hours: Daily 8am-10pm

3. Aloha Alabama BBQ and Bakery

Find your piece of paradise at Aloha Alabama. Photo credit: Brook Priest

Owner Brook Priest measures time in Pirate Daze. When asked about the opening of her new restaurant Aloha Alabama BBQ and Bakery she says it was two Pirate Daze ago. For the rest of us that is June 2015. It was a big project to start but it was also a long time in the making. Her dad had owned The Islander at the end of the Westport strip, but she and her husband dreamed of opening something a little different. An Alabama native, he was a big fan of barbecue. She, a Hawaiian, wanted to incorporate the easy going feeling of the islands. Thus, Aloha Alabama BBQ was born. This inviting dig serves Hawaiian size plates of ribs, Kalua pork, mac salad, sweet cornbread muffins and so much more. Their bakery offerings are continually expanding, they have a full bar and they offer catering. Follow their specials on Facebook, too.

2309 Westhaven Dr
Westport, Washington
(360) 268-7299
Hours: 11am-9pm daily

4. Blackbeard’s Brewery

You can’t miss Blackbeard’s blue building on the corner of Ocean Avenue and Forest. Photo credit: Dani Dooley

If you thought two pizza joints and two wineries in Westport was enough, well, you were wrong. And Blackbeard’s Brewery is proof. This freshly opened brewhouse has an enticing menu of pizza and salads, house brewed beer and root beer and is a great place to catch the game while feeding the family. Blackbeard’s is located just down the street from the lighthouse and is open 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Thursday through Monday. Happy hour specials are available weekdays from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Though this joint is always busy, the service is excellent and the crowd friendly. See what’s happening today on their Facebook Page.

700 W. Ocean Ave.
Westport, WA 98595
360-268-7662
Hours: Th-M, 11am-9pm

5. Big Fish T-Shirts

Big Fish Custom Shirts uses a direct to garment printing process that makes the printing process both quicker and less expensive than alternative methods. Photo credit: Dani Dooley

Big Fish Shirts admittedly began on a whim. Last year Don Davenport, owner of Ocean Sportfishing Charters on Westhaven Drive, got fed up with the tee shirt supplier for his charters. He went out and bought the machinery he needed to do it himself. Before he knew what was happening, he was keeping on seasonal staff to fill his orders, friend’s orders and community orders. He is now shipping printed apparel across the country and has a DIY tee shirt website. Big Fish Shirts sells apparel out of Don’s charter office for now but he’s considering upgrading as Big Fish Shirts expands. His easy going and friendly staff offer on-site design, they cut vinyl for boat letters and custom signs and will soon offer printed mugs. Their direct to garment printing allows them to use an array of colors including printing photos along with glitter and rhinestones. There are no minimum orders and you can see their work on Facebook.

2549 Westhaven Dr
Westport, WA 98595
360-268-1000

6. Sea Bird Gifts and Candy

Long time harbor resident Paula Bird is the owner of Sea Bird Gifts and Candy. Photo credit: Dani Dooley

Sea Bird is nestled in between House of Donuts and Bennett’s Fish Shack on Westhaven Drive, commonly called “The Docks”. Sea Bird opened its doors in January of 2016. When you walk into this bright and cheerful Westport store you are greeted by an inviting display of chocolates and handmade fudge. This is also a great place to pick up a warm sweatshirt and they have a great selection of wind chimes and other beach shop finds. The owner, Paula Bird, is a lifelong harbor resident and commercial fisherman’s wife. She embraces the beach life and loves to play tour guide to her shop visitors. “I like to remind people that the cove is an off-leash dog park, tell them about events and help them find a place to eat,” she shares.

2563 Westhaven Dr
Westport, Washington
360-268-1199
M-Th 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.
F-Sa 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Su 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

7. Bank of the Cascades

Bank of the Cascades is happy to serve its new community. Photo credit: Ocosta School PTO.

Bank of the Cascades officially entered Washington’s retail banking market in 2016 when it acquired the Bank of America branches in Westport, Raymond, and Cathlamet. It is Oregon’s largest community bank and has 51 branches in Oregon, Idaho, and Washington. Their vision is to see communities of all sizes thrive and to invest in the communities they serve. The bank offers both personal and business banking services, top notch customer service, and local lending decisions. The Westport branch is conveniently located on Montesano street one block south of Twin Harbor Drug. The branch has a 24 hour ATM.

620 N. Montesano Street
Westport, WA 98595
360-268-9155
Open at 10 a.m. M-F

8. Driftwood Candle Co

Driftwood Candles come in 27 scents including this one, Northwest Forest. Photo credit: Driftwood Candle Co.

Driftwood Candle Co. is truly a mom and pop start-up. Wife and husband team, Ashley and Alex, started producing the soy candles in their Westport home because of Ashley’s allergies to paraffin wax. The unique smells and superior burn of the candles quickly caught on. In July of 2016 Driftwood Candle Co. began wholesale orders and the candles can now be found in gift shops and festivals up and down the Washington and Oregon coast. They can also be ordered directly through DriftwoodCandleCo.com. They have continued to add to their line over the last 18 months. In addition to candles they also sell wax melts, goats milk soap, and natural soaps and bath salts. All their products are hand mixed using premium ingredients and their scents are heavenly. This friendly couple loves to support community endeavors and has recently begun offering fundraiser candle sales for the local schools. If you are interested in a fundraiser for your group, selling products in your store, or just trying a few of their intense candles give them a call and be sure to follow them on Facebook for special offers.

802 W Ocean Ave
Westport, WA 98595
360-268-8165

9. South Beach Clay Studio

The Clay Studio offers both lessons and open studio times. They also sell clay supplies to the public. Photo credit: Dani Dooley

South Beach Clay Studio is located on Westport’s Montesano street right next door to Original House of Pizza. This new outgrowth of the South Beach Arts Association is Pottery Director Barbara Sampson’s newest gift to the community. Her dedicated service along with other Westport artists keeps the studio open Monday through Friday, 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. for open studio times. Barbara offers children’s, adult and private classes as well as classes through Grays Harbor College Community Education. She even offers a free class every Thursday from 10 a.m. – noon. The studio was eighteen months in the making and opened its doors in July of 2016. To learn more about the clay studio and Westport art give studio manager Tawnya a call at 360-268-0080 or drop by anytime.

1200 Montesano Street
Westport, WA 98595

10. Tides & Anchors

This cute shop at the Westport docks is opposite float 12. Just look for the big red sign. Photo credit: Dani Dooley

The newest addition to the docks in Westport is Tides & Anchors boutique. This tiny yet spunky shop is full to the brim of fun and trendy finds. Co-owners and lifelong Westport residents, Alyssa Kummer and Adrienne Jones have really put their heart into this venture. Their love of shopping and pleasing the customer shows. The boutique specializes in products from Northwest companies with a few special interest items sprinkled in. Their selection includes gift items, a children’s section, local history and recipe books, Seahawks gear and even their own clothing line.

2521 Westhaven Dr.
Westport, WA 98595
Hours: M-F, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

11. Loge

Owner and Developer Johannes Ariens is excited about his new project, Loge, in Westport. Photo credit: Johannes Ariens

Possibly the newest addition to Westport business is the transformation of The Sands Motel to Loge Camp and Motel. This project currently underway was just featured and funded on kickstarter. Word is that part of the property will still be open for business through renovations which were scheduled to begin in January. The grand opening of the renovated site is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend. Keep an eye on this one. It looks cool.

1416 Montesano St S
Westport, WA 98595

The tide has certainly changed for Westport. More financial services are now available.The arts community is expanding. Small manufacturing is finding its way into the new landscape of Westport business. Improved offerings for tourism include updated lodgings, new restaurants and new shops open year-round. Now looks like a good time to check out what’s happening at the “end of the road.”