Where can you dine and dance in the Olympia area?
That’s the question owner Cameron Bluhm has decided to answer by launching Beat Drop Kitchen and Event Center, a restaurant, dance venue and event center that’s set to open at 1225 Ruddell Road SE in Lacey, near Saint Martin’s University, on Wednesday, Nov. 6.
Bluhm, who already owns an event business called DJ Sound Dragon, decided there was a need for a new dance destination to fill the void left behind by the closure of places such as Jake’s on 4th in downtown Olympia.
Bluhm said he combined two vacant spaces, including one that had been a burger business called Rod Knock, to create a 6,000-square-foot spot for his venue.
The business will operate 3:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. The early part of the evening will be devoted to an all-ages restaurant that intends to serve gourmet flatbreads, burgers, steaks and macaroni and cheese, to name just a few items on the menu.
However, around 9:30 p.m. the dance floor will open and shift to an adults-only operation that serves cocktails and other beverages, he said. The five days of dancing will look like this: country music and line dancing on Wednesdays; wild card night on Thursdays (think Taylor Swift music, Bluhm said); Latin music and salsa dancing on Fridays; club music on Saturdays; and then Beat Drop will wind down the week with karaoke and dancing on Sundays.
Late-night food also will be available in the form of chicken wings, mozzarella sticks and other items, he said.
In a nod to the bigger dance club atmosphere, Bluhm is going to offer a VIP experience where groups can rent booths that come with a bottle of champagne, premium cocktails and a server that caters to them, he said.
Florist remodels, has new hours
Capitol Florist, a longtime floral shop in downtown Olympia at 515 Capitol Way S., is staying put, owner Rae Salazar said.
The business was looking to move, she told The Olympian in October 2023. Instead, Salazar decided to remodel her space and tweaked her hours.
The business is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m and 3 to 5 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays and open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays. Saturdays are appointment only, she said.
Program for expecting mothers
MultiCare Capital Medical Center is offering a new program for expecting mothers in early 2025 called Centering Pregnancy, the health organization announced.
The program offers expecting mothers and babies group education during prenatal and post-partum check-ups, all in an effort to improve newborn health outcomes and reduce health disparities, according to MultiCare.
The program will be led by MultiCare midwives in partnership with the local Doula community; Twinstar Credit Union has provided funding for the program.
New home under construction
The Artisans Group, an architecture and planning business, is building a new home in Tumwater for its business — but the building also will provide housing, according to its Facebook post. The site is at 6504 Capitol Blvd. SE, near Eagan’s Drive In & Espresso.
“Here’s the scoop,” the post reads. “This new space will feature a cutting-edge design with three stories of innovative architecture.
“The main floor will be our new office, complete with a specialized interiors department. Plus, we’re adding six rental units, a rooftop deck, and a courtyard.”
County to hear business proposals
Two new businesses are set to be pitched to Thurston County officials as part of a pre-submission conference on Nov. 14, according to county information.
Pre-submission conferences give developers a chance to learn what will be expected of their projects.
One of the businesses is a stone countertop business proposed for 7301 Meridian Road SE and the other is a coffee stand at 6311 Rich Road SE.
People news
Drew Phillips, director of business development at Olympia-based Forma Construction, has retired, the business announced.
Over the years, he has been a laborer, carpenter, project manager, estimator and principal, according to a news release.
During his tenure, Phillips helped deliver a number of high-profile projects, including more than five major facilities at Saint Martin’s University. Among them: the Father Bede Ernsdorff Center for the Department of Natural Sciences. Other Phillips’ projects include Olympia Regional Learning Academy (ORLA) on Boulevard Road in Olympia and the recent refresh of the Washington Center for the Performing Arts downtown.
Olympia Coffee Roasting Co. and Moonrise Bakery in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood have hired executive pastry chef Michele Pompei.
“His 30 years of experience encompasses classical and contemporary European training, two beloved bakery projects, a James Beard recognition, and a semifinalist position in a nationally broadcasted baking competition,” the businesses announced.
If you know of a retailer, restaurant, coffee shop or other business that is opening, closing, expanding, remodeling, or changing its focus, send an email to reporter Rolf Boone at rboone@theolympian.com.
