Downtown Olympia eagerly anticipates the opening of Altitude 15, a Food Hall with restaurants and cooperative spaces for startup street food vendors. Cher and Mike Hobbick purchased the building on the corner of State and Franklin Streets, formerly the Providence Community Care Center. The extensive remodel will be home to the Atlas Restaurant and Bar, the DoubleTap Tap House, and culinary entrepreneurs. Diners will enjoy plenty of both indoor and outdoor seating, including heated picnic tables and a children’s play area.
The Hobbicks envisioned a vibrant community space where family and friends would find excellent food in an atmosphere that fostered creative, young businesses. When the couple sold their business, they turned their energies, time, and finances to this remarkable project.
“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. The environment is designed to bring chefs and their fledgling businesses along the path to success by lowering the financial strain. The large kitchen in the back allows multiple businesses to individually store and cook their own ingredients. “Altitude 15 is going to nurture culinary dreams into realities,” says Cher. Her ongoing business, Bite Me Catering, will have a permanent home within the building.
Cher ignited her curiosity through the Culinary Arts program at South Puget Sound Community College and graduated from the two-year program. Bite Me Catering celebrated its third year in March. It started as a fun thing to do. “One thing leads to another. It’s been fantastic,” she says.
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.” People who have already appreciated the catered food of Bite Me will get to order it at Altitude 15.
Thank you, Cher and Mike Hobbick, for investing in our community. “When you support downtown Olympia, you support your neighbors. Often when you are in a store, you can meet the owner,” she notes. Downtown is home to an array of locally owned businesses. Watch social media (@altitude15oly) for the opening this summer.
BY MARY ELLEN PSALTIS