Family Looks Familiar at These Downtown Businesses
Generations of families have grown and flown in Edmonds, so it only makes sense that many would go into business together, too. As we know, families look all sorts of ways—blood or chosen—and this year, we’re highlighting three downtown businesses that are family-run, passed down, or purchased.
Before we dive into each of them, check out last year’s article detailing two other family-run businesses downtown that are still very much thriving.
Now, onto this year’s featured family businesses!
You’re probably familiar with Salish Sea Brewing Co., a downtown staple since 2013 when husband and wife owners Erika and Jeff Barnett opened the brewery and taproom in 2013. If you’ve patronized the space, which expanded in 2015 to include pub grub, and brought young kids with you, you’ve probably selected Dum Dums from a glass pitcher Jeff knelt down to offer when your kids got antsy. The Barnetts get it.
Brewing is a male-dominated industry, and Erika’s involvement in the company since its inception has added to its family-friendly atmosphere. For the Barnett’s, it wasn’t even a question that they would share the family and business load. The couple plans, manages, and operates every aspect of their company, including their recent takeover of the American Brewing Company space at Harbor Square. That building is now The Salish Sea Brewing Boathouse Taproom, a high-ceilinged, intimate, dog-and-kid-friendly extension of their original location, which also now houses their brewing equipment AND provides a safe habitat for Edmonds’s famous wooden Orca sculpture.
For their latest expansion to Harbor Square, just like with all their ventures, Jeff and Erika sourced decor together. Jeff’s mother even donated her old icebox.
Wherever their ventures take them next, we know they’ll include great taste in brews and bites and that they’ll take it all on together.
Another downtown stalwart, Teri’s Toybox, has seen generations of kids and families come through its front door. You may know Teri’s by its beautiful, color-coordinated window displays. You may have perused it with your grandparents, parents, or aunt and uncle. The shop opened downtown in 1981, after all!
Recently, longtime manager and chosen family, Nikki Madsen, purchased the shop from Teri. The plan was in the works for years. An employee for 13 years and a manager for most of that time, Nikki has been mentoring under Teri to take over the shop for nearly a decade. As Nikki told us, “I’m proud to take over such a staple in the community. Teri’s was so important to me when I was young.”
Even more heartwarming? Both Teri’s and Nikki’s daughters have worked at the shop. Talk about family ties!
In many circles, the reputation of Demetris Woodstone Taverna’s Firecracker Shrimp precedes the restaurant. Edmonds native Sofeea Huffman opened the original Kafé Neo in 1991 and has since grown the family-run company into seven locations and concepts in the area, including the newest as far north as Arlington.
The family’s mission has always been to provide a tapas selection with explosive flavors (see: Firecracker Shrimp above) and incredible quality.
Beyond its newly-enclosed patio and prime location by all of Edmonds’ favorite modes of transportation—the view from Demetris is a veritable feast of ferries, trains, walkers-by, automobiles, leash-led pups and more—the large, comfortable space right by the water makes its delicious dishes with a Northwest twist. Daughter Amalia is often spotted managing the restaurant, actively creating the inviting atmosphere our town, along with many a ferry passenger, knows and loves.
Whether you’re watching an Edmonds kind of sunset over a drink on the patio, taking in a game on the 60” TV in the lounge, or enjoying a family brunch before boating across the Sound, Demetris, named after the family’s resident mascot who lived in Edmonds since 1st grade, checks all the edible boxes.
Did you know all these businesses were family-owned? It sure adds an extra layer of warmth to them, doesn’t it? We’re thrilled to be in community with each one of our downtown businesses and can’t wait to see where your Edmonds kind of adventures take you. Next time you stop by Salish, Teri’s, or Demetris, take us along by tagging @edmondsdowntown on Instagram or Facebook and adding #edmondsdowntown and #loveedmonds to your posts.
By Whitney Popa, photos by Matt Hulbert
