Farm store Coastal to fill longtime Monroe vacancy

MONROE — It appears that the long-vacant former Albertsons storefront at 19881 U.S. 2 will have a new tenant.
Coastal Farm & Home Supply has applied for a permit toward remodeling the interior of the former grocery that’s been unused since 2015.
The Oregon company has 17 stores in Oregon and Washington, selling outdoor-related products ranging from clothing to farm supplies.
There are Coastal Farm & Ranch stores in Marysville, Mount Vernon, Auburn and Sequim.
Though the permit is still being reviewed, Community Development Director Ben Swanson said the city is “absolutely” excited about the prospect of a new business at the site.
“This is one of the mayor’s highest priorities,” Swanson said. “That building has been vacant for quite some time.”
It is unclear at the moment when interior demolition would begin.
A company representative at the Marysville Coastal store said the new Monroe store should be open come spring.
Corporate representatives for Coastal did not return phone calls and emails seeking more details.
Strands Home Furnishings, in the same shopping plaza, announced it will be relocating from its longtime space. In a letter to customers, owner Ron Strand said the store will move in February to the plaza nearby that houses Grocery Outlet, and blamed the landlord for the move.
In other Monroe business news, chef Adam Hoffman has announced he's closed Adam’s Northwest Bistro and Brewery at 104 N. Lewis St.
Hoffman opened the establishment in 2011 after a distinguished career at several top-tier Seattle restaurants.
“I worked hard, sometimes to my own regret at not using that time for other important elements in my life like spending time with family,” Hoffman posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page.
“Now it is time for me to turn to some of those things, including a little time off for pestering trout with lint on a bent pin. I have put off the use of personal time in order to serve the business and my community. It has been so gratifying and rewarding in terms of personal growth and learning and I am deeply appreciative of how that time was spent.
“What I do next is to spend some time with my wife and kids, who have allowed me to indulge myself in building the business at some expense to them. I owe them much.
“And I love you all for making my dreams come true. I remain a diehard Lakers and Beatles fan and will miss you but never forget you.”
Hoffman hinted in the same Facebook message that the restaurant site has a future in capable hands.
“I have sold my business to someone who I believe will carry it on in the fashion that people here will appreciate because the new owner once was a chef here,” he wrote.
In further news
Countryside Sewing and Vacuum, 14961 Chain Lake Rd., is working to rehome its store, its owners posted on social media. The mom-and-pop machine sales and repair store opened in 2004.

— With material contributed by Tribune staff



This rendition of the story is edited from the version printed in the Tribune.