5 Downtown Edmonds Businesses That Anchor Us All
When we talk about anchors, what do we mean? We mean a force that is stable and grounding…something real or imagined that gives us a sense of security in a world that can sometimes (often?) feel chaotic. We’re talking about those places that are always there when we need them.
In Downtown Edmonds specifically, we’re talking about five businesses that have been around for decades—places your parents (or maybe even your grandparents!) may recognize from when they were growing up. Places where you’ve frequented, celebrated something, and gotten to know.
We bet many of them hold some fond nostalgia for you if you grew up with them. If you didn’t, they’re still here, and they’re ready for you to come in and make some fresh memories. This place is all about relationships, so let’s get to know them a little better.
Founded by Claire Marie Petosa Rhodes and brought to Edmonds in the 1970s, Claire’s is one of Edmonds’ few true diners—and it’s just steps from the ferry.
If you’re into Edmonds history, here’s a fun bit: the building that now houses Claire’s was previously called the Yesteryear Restaurant, where the Edmonds Historical Society’s steering committee met in December 1972 to plan the establishment of the museum. Today, Claire’s remains one of Edmonds’ longest-standing restaurants, serving homemade comfort foods, milkshakes, pie à la mode, and breakfast all day from its Main Street location. If you’re a breakfast type, don’t sleep on their chicken fried steak.
A literal cornerstone (and gem—sorry, had to) of the Downtown Edmonds community, Cline Jewelers opened in 1980. It was founded by Jerry Cline, who came from a family with deep roots in the jewelry business. Jerry’s father, Harold Cline, retired as vice president of Ben Bridge Jeweler in 1979 before Jerry decided to branch out on his own. The business started as a wholesale trade shop, making, custom designing, and repairing jewelry for other shops throughout the Pacific Northwest before becoming the full-service retail jewelry store it is today.
You may know third-generation jeweler Andy Cline and his family. He’s been continuing the family legacy with a focus on great workmanship and custom jewelry design. In 2025, Edmonds got an extra special nod when Cline was voted Best Jewelry Store in the Pacific Northwest by Seattle Times readers. Plus, its new space right by the fountain is just so gorgeous, isn’t it?
Ever wondered how MaJe came up with its name? Founded in 2000 (is the millennium retro MTV enough for this piece? Unfortunately, we have to say yes) by husband-and-wife team Manya Vee and Jeff Stilwell, “MaJe” is a simple combo of the first letters of their names. The store was originally opened as “Manya Vee Selects,” and changed its name to MaJe Gallery in 2013 to better reflect the owners’ identities as artists and partners. It’s become known for “an unwavering devotion to timeless quality and graceful design in art, jewelry, gifts and style,” curating works by over 100 American artisans.
Beyond their gallery, Manya and Jeff have been instrumental in shaping Edmonds’ creative community—they founded the Edmonds Art Walk in 2002, directed it for its first twelve years, and in 2007, they founded the Edmonds Mural Society, bringing seventeen murals to downtown Edmonds over the next five years. Stop in, introduce yourself, and have a chat. Manya is still in the gallery every week!
A veritable Edmonds institution, Pancake Haus opened on Easter in 1969. It was founded by a couple named Ernie and Bonnie Boyd, who had such a strong opening day that they promptly ran out of food—always a sign of a winning recipe. An employee named Larry Meyer, who started working at Pancake Haus the day it opened, became so integral to the business that his family eventually purchased the restaurant in 1979. Current owner Pam Meyer and her husband Paul bought Pancake Haus in 2008 and have operated it since, continuing the family legacy with multiple family members working there.
The restaurant remains in its original location on 5th Avenue South and serves breakfast and lunch daily, starting at 6am. Try their Swedish pancakes—a signature dish that comes with lindenberry preserves.
You may not know that Teri’s Toybox proved its business concept at a few locations around Seattle before settling in Edmonds in the early 1980s. It’s now one of those places around town that people who grew up in Edmonds now get to take their kids to enjoy. Teri’s specializes in classic, lifetime toys (wooden blocks and dollhouses to dolls, crafts, science sets, games, and puzzles).
Another local business that was sold to one of its employees, the store has gone viral for carrying beloved Jelly Cat stuffed animals. It’s also known for testing new games on the 3rd Thursday of the month and offering complimentary gift wrapping (which comes in clutch when you have a birthday party to attend…today).
We Love Our Downtown Edmonds Anchors
Downtown Edmonds has changed a lot over the decades—new shops have opened, others have shuttered, and the waterfront is ever-evolving. But these five businesses have remained, rooting themselves deeper into the fabric of our town every year. They’re where we’ve shared meals, celebrated milestones, and gotten to know hometown owners.
Nothing holds us as steady as an anchor does, and we’re proud to be home to so many.
Next time you visit one of our Downtown anchors, tag us on social media (@edmondsdowntown), and we’ll celebrate with you by sharing your new memories to our story!
By Whitney Popa, photos by Matt Hulbert
