It’s been a hell of a run at 1107 Railroad Avenue in Bellingham, Washington. Boundary Bay Brewery and Bistro, which has called the location home for nearly 30 years, just announced it will close at the end of next year. Thereafter, the property owners intend to sell the building.
“Like all good journeys, they must end so a new adventure can begin,” said the announcement. “It’s time for us to retire, which coincides with the Boundary building going up for sale by the building’s owner. After exploring many possibilities we have decided now is the right time to close this chapter.”
At the helm of the ship Ed Bennett and Janet Lightner have dutifully served their patrons and their community since the brewery’s birth in 1995. In Bellingham, Boundary Bay is more than a brewery and restaurant. It is a community leader, a hub, an organizer of important events, and a supporter of important causes. As a brewery, it is the seed that spawned the vibrant Bellingham beer scene, setting a damned-high standard for any newcomers.
“We don’t know exactly what the future holds, but we know that Boundary’s service and values will remain consistent throughout the year, allowing us to remain the Boundary brand we have always been. We wanted to let our community know now so we can fully enjoy our final year together.”
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This one is personal. I cannot begin to count the good times, great beers, and tasty food I’ve enjoyed within the wall of Boundary Bay Brewery and Bistro. Getting loud and rowdy in the bustling beer garden following the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Sitting at the bar with Ed watching our beloved Washington Huskies crush another opponent. Quieter times sharing meals with dear friends. Slurping down beers after hiking at Mount Baker. This one hurts and I write this with a lump in my throat.
Here is the complete announcement from Boundary Bay Brewery and Bistro:
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Late last month we let our team know that 2025 would be our final year at Railroad Avenue, and we are now ready to share this with the rest of our Boundary Bay community.
Since 1995, Boundary Bay Brewery has been locally owned and independently operated in downtown Bellingham, Washington. When we opened our doors for the first time we didn’t know what the future held for us and the new craft brewing movement. In the three decades since, the community and our staff have rewarded us with more than we could have imagined; being a part of the Bellingham community and sharing our love of craft beer with you has been an honor. Thirty years in business is an accomplishment which was possible because of a dedicated team and supportive community, which we don’t take for granted.
Like all good journeys, they must end so a new adventure can begin. It’s time for us to retire, which coincides with the Boundary building going up for sale by the building’s owner. After exploring many possibilities we have decided now is the right time to close this chapter. For 30 years we have been able to create memories, magic and a lot of beer within these walls. We hope the Boundary Bay legacy of commitment to the community continues beyond our time on Railroad Avenue.
We plan for 2025 to be a year of celebration and appreciation, culminating in September when we plan to pour our final pint. We don’t know exactly what the future holds, but we know that Boundary’s service and values will remain consistent throughout the year, allowing us to remain the Boundary brand we have always been. We wanted to let our community know now so we can fully enjoy our final year together.
For now, we’re full steam ahead; with celebrations to be had and with more beer to brew (Save the Ales!). Join us and help cheer on Boundary in our final year. We know that a lot of special memories and milestones have happened here and we look forward to hearing about what Boundary means to you as we commemorate 30 years of service, community and craft beer.
