Two Bellingham businesses announce closures this summer

Sugar and Co. will close on July 25, marking an end to its brief tenure in Fairhaven since opening in November 2024. Co-owner Brie Mueller shared the difficult decision on social media, indicating that despite efforts, the business could not sustain itself. Ponderosa Beer and Books will shut its doors at the end of August after three years on Roeder Avenue. Owner Jessie Polin plans a farewell celebration for the community, although she has not set a specific closing date.

These closures highlight the difficulties faced by local businesses in Bellingham's evolving economic landscape. Sugar and Co. aimed to provide a unique dining experience, while Ponderosa offered an inclusive space for all ages. Both businesses played significant roles in enhancing the local culture and community engagement. The loss of these establishments may impact the neighborhood's social fabric and economic vitality.