Blackbird Bakery and Café opens in Stanwood
Open a new business in the middle of a recession? Most people would advise, “RUN! Run fast. Run NOW!” But most people are not Ed & Joanne Beeson, proud (and delighted) owners of Stanwood’s newest venture, blackbird BAKERY CAFÉ. Ed has been known to regularly tie on his magic flour sack cape and take that famous leap of faith, the one that separates the risk takers from the “play-it-safers.”
Ed’s long history in the restaurant business began in 1970 while attending college (over the next several years he learned how to actually run a restaurant). In 1977, he opened Edible’s Soup, Salad, Sandwich & Breakfast in Seattle’s Pioneer Square. Success and a desire for “country livin,” led him to Duvall, where he lived and owned The Silver Spoon Restaurant.
The old Grange hall became legendary for great food and the occasional concert upstairs. But it was the concerts at the Spoon that led to a 25-year career in the music business as a venue owner (The Backstage in Ballard), concert producer, talent buyer, and consultant. Now, he’s been drawn back to his favorite lifetime experience – running a small café in a small town.
Joanne, his wife and business partner, divides her time between the new bakery and her day job as a social worker at Housing Hope, a private, non-profit agency which provides housing to homeless families in Snohomish County. Joanne has had a passion for sweet, gooey, baked goods forever and has spent many spare moments making cookies, brownies and pies. She made her way through school working in bakeries, restaurants, and flower shops, so this opportunity is a match made in heaven – bakery heaven anyway.
So, when the Beesons got the idea for a bakery in Stanwood, they did their research. Ed visited with folks in the community, met with local businesses, talked with other restaurant owners; he asked Stanwood and Camano what they wanted. They responded positively to the slow food movement idea —sustainable, local, organic and wholesome – and the concept began to take hold. Residents said they wanted a bakery café that served good food and was good for you, as well as good for the planet. Not to mention delicious, and served quickly and professionally.
Then the space that was once Maximes in old Stanwood became available. Ed took his chance and never looked back. He found Tobey Layne, a meticulous and passionate baker, and hired him to steer the bakery. He rounded out the staff with cheerful, bright local folks, committed to creating this friendly, welcoming venue. Everyone helped get the place ready and blackbird opened quietly in April. They will celebrate a grand opening throughout June with happy hour specials, fun promotions and more.
blackbird BAKERY CAFÉ is located in historic West Stanwood on Main Street's last stretch of original red-brick road, just one short block north of SR 532. The building is relatively new compared to the century-old buildings it’s nestled between, but was carefully designed to mix comfortably with them. Inside, you’ll find a gleaming bakery case filled with tasty treats, cozy tables covered in vintage tablecloths, some fun art and a nice big window. But wait, there’s more! In addition to the bustling downstairs café, there is plenty of room upstairs. You can relax in front of the fireplace on an over-stuffed couch or take in the views of Port Susan and the Olympics from the outdoor deck. Also, upstairs is a private dining area available for meetings or parties. At the end of your visit, whatever view you ogled, Ed, Joanne, and the fine staff at blackbird hope you feel our sincere warmth and gratitude for the time you spend there.
blackbird is committed to using the highest quality ingredients available – organic & local whenever possible. But Ed and Joanne recognize that the most important ingredient in their business is people - not only the staff, but also the people who support the business, and the people who live and work in our community – in other words – our friends and neighbors. They hope to see you soon!
blackbird BAKERY CAFÉ is open 7 days a week, from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Weekend brunch is served Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Outdoor deck open soon!
