BIZ NEWS: Pepper Sisters Closing

December 31, 2024

Bellingham, we’ve got some bittersweet news. Pepper Sisters, our cozy little spot for Southwestern comfort food, is closing its doors after more than 30 years. For so many of us, it’s been a place to gather, celebrate, and dive into some seriously good cornbread. Let’s take a moment to talk about what’s happening and what it means for our community.

The Business Was Up for Sale…

Earlier this year, the folks at Pepper Sisters decided it was time to pass the torch. They put the business up for sale, hoping to find someone who’d keep the spicy spirit alive. The listing offered an established reputation, a loyal customer base, and the chance to own a piece of Bellingham history.

But as anyone in the restaurant world knows, running a business isn’t easy. Despite the charm and decades of success, no buyer came forward to take the reins.

…But No Takers Were Found

In a heartfelt Facebook post, Pepper Sisters announced their closure. They shared how much they’d hoped to find someone to continue the tradition, but it just didn’t work out. Their last day of service is set for January 15, 2025—so if you’ve been craving that black bean chili, now’s the time.

“We’re so grateful for every single one of you who’s walked through our doors,” they wrote. “This community means the world to us.”

For many of us, it’s hard to imagine downtown Bellingham without Pepper Sisters. It’s been a place where first dates, family dinners, and catch-ups with friends just felt special.

What About the Building?

Here’s where things get a little tricky. The Maple Block Building, where Pepper Sisters has been serving up their delicious eats, is also for sale. According to this listing, the property has a lot of potential. But let’s be real: losing a beloved tenant like Pepper Sisters isn’t great news for its value.

A strong tenant can make or break a building’s appeal to buyers. Without Pepper Sisters drawing foot traffic, the building’s future is a little less certain. It’s a tough break for everyone involved.

From their FB post:

You may have noticed that the iconic neon pepper sign is no longer perched in its rightful spot. Although we were holding out hope that some eager and willing patron would swoop in and want to take over the business, alas, we are closing our doors.

Please know that this was far from an easy decision. The cozy little oasis that Susan created was unmatched in its rich community feel, and it has been emotional to say the least to come to this decision. Years and years of red chili sauce, sopaipillas, dotty laughter from the server station, and so many cherished memories.

It is hard to nutshell-i-fy everything that led to us making this decision, but the gist of it is that it is a wildly difficult time to run a restaurant, and after all of the pandemic and post-pandemic hoopla, we are tuckered, as the effort and challenges grew.

We know this news might feel shocking and devastating—we are devastated too. It was never really in the plans for the Pepper Sisters flame to be extinguished, but sometimes life takes a wonky turn or seven.

If you would like, please share in the comments some of your favorite memories, or favorite entrees. We would love to hear them!

Thank you, oh so much and from the bottom of our hearts, for 36 years of sharing meals with you. It was a glorious chapter.

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