Articles by Kristina Lord
Party supply company sees ebbs, flows of Tri-City hospitality sector
A third-generation rental store owner isn’t looking to the future with the fear she felt a year ago. Today, she’s planning with Covid-19 in mind. And it appears so are her customers. “Right now, customers are booking with the mandates in place, so they know what they’re dealing with. Last year, they cancelled,” said Tammy…
Richland’s Tumbleweeds rolls through turbulent year
When anyone asks the owner of Tumbleweeds Mexican Flair about his plans, he likes to quip: “I am just honored that you think I have a plan.” The past year has been a lesson in flying by the seat your pants at the family-owned restaurant at 894 Stevens Drive in Richland. But despite the past…
Entrepreneurial teacher opens gourmet cookie shop in Richland
A Richland elementary school teacher who runs a festive wintertime side hustle is adding another one – this one catering to the Tri-City sweet tooth. Kevin Hatch, 39, plans to open Crumbl Cookie in late March. The cookie shop franchise features a weekly rotating menu of more than 120 specialty flavors. The new store at…
Kennewick seniors celebrate Covid-19 vaccine’s arrival
Seniors at home on the day the vaccine arrived at Brookdale Canyon Lakes readily rolled up their sleeves to receive it. The Kennewick senior living community had 18 hours’ notice to line up residents and staff for 200 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine in mid-January. They were ready – and happy to receive it two…
Pandemic forces separation but couple’s love endures
Kathie and Darell “Bud” Weathermon will celebrate their 56th wedding anniversary later this month but they won’t be able to hug, hold hands or share a kiss. Kathie, 75, plans to make the one hour and 15 minute drive from Walla Walla to Kennewick to visit her husband on their special day. It’s a trip…
Group launches hotline to help seniors register for vaccine
As the pandemic marches on, a Richland-based group is trying different ways to keep seniors connected and get them the help they need. The Richland Senior Association offers educational, outreach and social programs, with its most recent program aimed at helping seniors navigate the decidedly unfriendly online system for registering for the Covid-19 vaccine, said…
Richland winery opens riverside tasting room in Vancouver
A Richland winery has opened a tasting room downriver from the Tri-Cities in hopes of expanding its customer base. Barnard Griffin’s new storefront joined a growing number of wineries setting up shop at The Waterfront in Vancouver, just across the Columbia River from Portland. “It’s been a long time in the planning,” said Deborah Barnard,…
Downsized pasta restaurant provides better chance of survival
When the owners of Pacific Pasta & Grill decided to downsize to survive the pandemic, they also took the opportunity to create a more efficient operation. “We fixed all the mistakes of the old restaurant,” said co-owner Niki Young. The restaurant opened Dec. 19 at 603 Goethals Drive in Richland after closing the doors at…
Bluewood carves out room on mountain for safe skiing
Northwest ski resorts have spent the better part of the year planning for Covid-19 contingencies to ensure skiers and snowboarders can race down their favorite slopes safely this winter. Bluewood, the Tri-Cities’ closest resort which is owned by seven Tri-Citians, has been planning since March. It’s outside of Dayton, about 80 miles east of the…
Surge in donations prompts Richland thrift store expansion
When one door closes, another opens – in this case quite literally. The unexpected closure of a neighboring business and a spring surge in community donations prompted Community Thrift’s expansion. The 1½-year-old thrift shop at 303 Wellsian Way in Richland recently took over the lease of the storefront once occupied by Cascade Sign & Apparel…
