Noodle-bowl themed restaurant coming this fall
After years of running a food booth at the beer fest and Southeast Alaska State Fair, Sarah Bishop is making plans to open a sit-down restaurant in October in the former salmon bake building in the middle of the parade grounds.
Acknowledging that most new businesses try to open for the busy summer season, Bishop said her October start-up is “fairly unconventional.” Her menu will be different, too. “Asia Alaska ethnic fusion,” is how she described it. A bit of a noodle-bowl theme, with Japanese-influenced Udon bowls and ramen noodles, variations on Vietnamese pho soups, and savory samosas from India.
With an Alaska flair, of course. “I love using local-farmed produce and local seafood,” Bishop said.
The restaurant will be small — seating for only 11 at a time — but take-out will be offered.
New auto, engine repair and welding shop opens
Don’t let the short name fool you. The Shop, which opened last month, offers a long list of services: auto, truck, small engine and tire repairs, along with welding services and even commercial sewing of heavy fabrics such as canvas and boat covers.
Randy Sloper and son Ron each have years of experience in auto repair. Both worked at Alaska Mountain Guides, which operates Haines Tire and Auto, where Ron worked more than a decade maintaining vehicles and engines, his dad said.
Randy Sloper said of his time at Alaska Mountain Guides: “I fixed everything, from sewers to engines.”
The Shop at 130 Fourth Ave. is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
La Loft moves to the ground floor
Although La Loft left its second-floor location in the Chisel Building last month for a street-level storefront in the former L.A.B. Flying Service building, the owner, Janet Hayes, decided to keep the name. “I kept the name because I didn’t want to do the paperwork.”
Besides, she said of her new location, “I tell them I’m in the loft down under.”
The Main Street shop sells new and gently used women’s clothing and is going on its third year in business.
La Loft is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5:30 p.m. Sunday.
SEAK Expeditions plans start-up in first week of July
SEAK Expeditions has permits and bookings in place to start operations the first week of July, said Joe Oesterling, the primary owner of three in the new Haines business.
The company offers full-day and half-day kayaking and hiking expeditions, said Oesterling, who has more than 20 years of experience as a sea kayaker and guide in the area.
The kayak trips will go along the Chilkat Peninsula and Lutak Inlet; hikes will head out the Seduction Point and Battery Point trails. Or spend a full day and do both, Oesterling said.
SEAK Expeditions also offers three- and five-day kayaking trips, with several options for scenic paddles between here and Juneau.
The new company has its Haines Borough, state of Alaska and U.S. Forest Service permits, Oesterling said.
Port Chilkoot Campground and RV Park is closed
The 32-space Port Chilkoot Campground and RV Park did not reopen for the summer after its winter closure. The facility was across from the Hotel Halsingland.
Closure of the campground laundromat leaves the community with one year-round facility, Moose Horn Laundry.