Look for the opening of Altitude 15, a downtown Olympia food hall highlighting great eats and talented chefs. Owners Cher and Mike Hobbick have been hard at work transforming the long-vacant building on the corner of State and Franklin Streets. The remodeled space will be home to four distinct eateries where patrons order what they want, grab a drink and then sit together. The indoor seating is spacious, and there’s a newly minted outdoor section with picnic tables with heated seats and warm tops – don’t worry, there will be a strip across the table without heat, so your beers won’t warm up. The environment is meant to foster cooperation and community for both diners and chefs.
Altitude 15: Not too High but High Enough
The name, Altitude 15, refers to the actual geographic coordinate. Cher jokes that it’s not too high, but high enough – check out the related sidewalk art. The extensive remodel gives a permanent home to Bite Me Catering, Cher’s business. Her new restaurant and bar inside Altitude 15 will be called Atlas Cocktail Manufacturing Enterprise (ACME). The menu, expanding on the catering offerings, will include a special fried chicken. Fans of Bite Me’s crab cakes or beef bulgogi won’t be disappointed. Altitude 15 plans to be remarkable, yet comfy. “It’s just not fancy,” says Cher. Drop in with friends, eat, talk, and you can even bring your children: they get their own play area.
Construction Progress Inside Altitude 15
The entire project is under the direction of the Hobbicks. “We retired in our 40s,” explains Cher. The couple sold one of their businesses and decided to direct their time, energies and finances to this heart-felt, community-centric project. It is not a typical retirement scenario.
“We broke ground last summer and have been working with local contractors. We make progress every day. We want this community hub to go,” explains Cher. Some observers have commented that things are moving slowly. That, of course, depends on your point of view. The couple is moving at a pace that is suitable for them.
A recent visit inside showed that lots is happening. The lay-out is designed to bring three additional chefs and their fledgling businesses along the path of success by lowering the financial strain of opening their own establishment. “We want to bridge the gap for chefs. Altitude 15 is going to nurture culinary dreams into realities,” says Cher. The kitchen has a long, continuous oven/venting hood that extends across the whole room. Each business will have its own quarter that connects to power, water and gas for installation of ovens, stoves, woks, etc. Chefs will have their own walk-in locking cooler as well as a separate shelves for storing dry goods. A large dish pit and prep area will be shared. On-site washers and dryers are available, too.
Art and Fun at Altitude 15
Art is everywhere around Altitude 15. Passers-by along Franklin can admire the large mural titled “The Ravens Chasing the Moon” by artist Sarah Folden of the Cowlitz Tribe. You’ll enter the establishment past textured security doors that are, themselves, works of art. Inside diners will be welcomed by a glorious 15-foot lighted cherry tree whose leaves change colors. Two accompanying lighting bonsais will find a home inside, too. A pair of magnificent brass horses and Gorgeous George, a peacock art creation, are set above in the rafters. Each of the genderless bathrooms is its own art-immersion experience. One will likely be well represented on visitors’ social media platforms.
Olympia Community Involvement
Altitude 15 is looking for businesses who might want to have a pop-up experience, such as an afternoon of selling ice cream or a chef offering tastings. A separate space is being decorated for private events, chef’s tastings, or other special occasions. Spoiler Alert: The walls will be covered with velvet wallpaper. Two chandeliers will hang from the ceiling, creating a bit of an historic bordello look.
Bite Me Catering Evolves
Cher graduated from the South Puget Sound Community College culinary program and launched Bite Me Catering over three years ago. What started as a fun thing to do turned into a busy business. “One thing leads to another. It’s been fantastic,” she says. “As a chef, I love taking an idea and figuring out all the moving parts.” The complexities of catering invigorate Cher. “The goal of catering is making your guests feel special and valued. There’s a sweet spot for great food and service.”
Vibrant Downtown Olympia
“Life is meant to be lived,” smiles Cher. Her positivism, as well as this extraordinary endeavor, is a gift to our community. “When you support downtown Olympia, you support your neighbors,” she adds. Downtown Olympia is home to many locally owned and operated business from coffee to vintage clothes, personal care, chocolate, books, home décor and so much more. “Often when you are in a store, you can meet the owner,” she notes.
Keep up with the news and look for exciting opening events on Altitude 15 social media.
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