Pyramid Brewery Sold
Last year was not good for Pyramid: The local brewer posted a $488,000 loss, which would have hit the millions if it hadn't sold off Thomas Kemper. But even with the sale, hops and other grains essential for the brewing process were priced at astronomical highs, and Pyramid just couldn't seem to get its costs under control. Today Vermont-based Magic Hat, a privately held East Coast craft brewer, announced that it would acquire Pyramid for $2.75 a share. The transaction is scheduled for completion in August.
According to a press release announcing the sale, Pyramid will continue to operate its offices in Seattle. Investors were happy to get the news, and, after trading under $2 for the last month, Pyramid shares are approaching the projected sale price. —Laura Onstot
Anita's Crepes Gets a Roof in Ballard
Anita's Crepes, 4350 N.W. Leary Ave., BALLARD. Opening early summer.
Anita's Crepes, the sweet-smelling snack stand popular at local farmers markets (and responsible for most of the Nutella stains on my clothing), is growing permanent roots in Ballard. Anita Ross, the CIA-trained pastry chef behind the griddles, envisions her new Leary Avenue spot as something like a coffee shop in the morning, with BOSCO espresso and a Frenchy market mood (lots of fresh flowers, zinc countertops, etc.). The breakfast and lunch menus will be akin to what she offers at markets now, plus perhaps some beignets. She'll have a full liquor license for dinner service, when she'll use that French Laundry training (and hire a dinner chef) to do something a little less crepe-centric and a little more "haute." (She mentioned foie gras.)
The place will be tiny, just a little slot of a spot squeezed between The Dish and a new bar by the guys behind The Great Nabob. She'll start with nine tables, plus a few more outside.
But no worries. She'll still be at the markets.—Jess Thomson
Bringing the French Quarter to Queen Anne
Brian Hutmacher, the man behind Lower Queen Anne's favorite place to eat off a hangover, Peso's, is taking over Choy's space (601 Queen Anne Ave. N.) and the dry cleaner next door to open a New Orleans-themed eatery likely to be called Toulouse Petite—or maybe just Toulouse. "I haven't decided yet," he says.
Hutmacher filed for a liquor license yesterday, but has to wait on the dry-cleaning business to vacate before construction can begin. He hopes to open for business on Oct. 1, but expects it may be closer to the end of the year.—Laura Onstot
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