Writer / Editor / Photographer
Long before there was an established wine industry in Washington state, Gary Cox was helping lay the groundwork when he was a graduate student at Washington State University. The Ellensburg, Wash., winemaker was among the volunteer wine-tasters who participated in the state’s original wine project, launched by legendary viticulturist Walter Clore in the mid-1970s. More... Continue Reading →
Just two months ago, Nana Kate’s owner Catherine Platt wasn’t sure how she was going to keep her Selah café and coffee shop open. She had already lost two-thirds of her typical revenue due to the statewide shutdown, and without being able to offer indoor seating for the foreseeable future, Platt’s business of seven years... Continue Reading →
Chris and Aubree Cherry felt like they were making a good decision last year when they moved to Selah to open a new Grocery Outlet. As the store prepares to celebrate its one-year anniversary next month, the young owner-operators say moving to Selah has proven to be not only the right decision, but also the... Continue Reading →
Family-owned businesses are a staple in the Yakima Valley economy, but only a select few have been around for more than 50 years. Count Selah Trailer Camper Sales among the lucky ones. The recreational trailer sales and service provider at 518 S. First St. opened in 1965 and is still going strong today. Their secret? ... Continue Reading →
When most people hear the word “hemp,” they typically think of CBD oil, textiles and heavy-duty clothing. CraftAg LLC is looking to add recreational smoking to the list of potential uses for marijuana’s cousin. The recently formed partnership between CraftAg Enterprises and Seneca Foods Corp. is set to release its first retail product this spring... Continue Reading →
The past month has been a trying time for every city and small town in America. Statewide stay-at-home orders due to the novel coronavirus outbreak have prevented people from patronizing local businesses, prompting some difficult decisions about the future. Many small business owners in the Yakima Valley aren’t sure if they are going to make... Continue Reading →
Anyone in the Yakima Valley who knows anything about good barbecue has likely heard of Slow Poke’s Grill & Smoke. But until recently, the only way you could sample Slow Poke’s meats and sides was to catch owners Dan Gamache and Brandon Perry at select catering events or nationally sanctioned barbecue competitions. That all changed... Continue Reading →
Gilbert Cellars has built up enough name recognition over the past 15 years that the brand would have no problem developing a following beyond the West Coast.But whenever the owners of the Central Washington winery consider ramping up production, they always prioritize their Yakima Valley roots. “We’ve had opportunities to open other tasting rooms outside... Continue Reading →
Nikki Samaniego enjoys the tasting room side of owning a winery. Pouring wine, talking with customers and sharing stories about the Yakima Valley are much more her speed than working out in the vineyards. The co-owner of Severino Cellars in Zillah, Wash., prefers to leave all of the dirty work to her husband and father.... Continue Reading →
A lot has changed since Buck Chan first started working at Keoki’s Oriental Restaurant nearly four decades ago. The city, its residents and their taste in food are all very different now than when Chan and his family emigrated to Yakima from China in 1980. One thing that has stayed the same, however, is Chan’s... Continue Reading →
