The Wayside Cafe & Deli, a beloved vegan plant-based restaurant in downtown Olympia, will close its doors on July 18 after eight years in operation.
Owners Jamie Vulva and Kevin Rainsberry announced the pending closure in a video posted to social media on Wednesday, June 10.
Vulva and Rainsberry announced that they were looking to sell the business in April.
“Kevin and I have decided that we’re both eager and ready for something new in our lives. It’s been eight years and that’s been great, and we’re feeling eager and ready for something else,” Vulva said in a video posted to social media on April 6.
In a June 10 update, Vulva said that she and Rainsberry “tried really hard to sell, and ultimately everything fell through.”
She added that the couple was at a “bit of a crossroads” in deciding whether to continue running the business themselves or to close it down.
“We’re tired, and as much as we recognize what we’re doing is important in the community, it seems like it's time for this to end,” Vulva said.
Vulva will continue selling grab-and-go options at the Olympia Food Co-Op’s Westside location, and is open to expanding those products to other businesses.
Rainsberry is going to dedicate his focus to his other business, Le Voyeur, and with plans to expand the iconic venue’s menu and hours.
Rainsberry and Vulva took over the longstanding Olympia bar, restaurant and performance space in 2020 when its previous owners were looking to step away.
Vulva and Rainsberry said they accrued some debt in trying to keep Wayside open, and are asking for community support in the business’ last month of operation to help cover those costs.
“With rising costs, keeping people employed and making delicious food for our beloved community we have been sinking further into the hole,” Rainsberry writes in a description for an online fundraiser.
The fundraiser had raised nearly $4,000 of its $4,500 goal as of Thursday afternoon.
Waysides’ owners started the fundraiser as an option for community members who wanted to financially contribute to the business’ debt relief efforts, but also invited people to come see them at the restaurant before it closes.
“First and foremost we'd love to see you again, come on in and buy some food for yourself or contribute to the Pay it Forward program to help feed someone else who maybe can't afford it,” Rainsberry wrote.
Wayside is located at 500 Capitol Way South and is open 12-3 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 12-7 p.m. Friday-Sunday.
Updates on the business's menu and operations are being posted to https://www.facebook.com/thewaysideolympia
