Best of 2020: Everett’s Top 10 New Businesses

Because we know you’re going to ask, the header image is a coconut curry sandwich from Café uu. It is a sandwich that “hijacked the hunger receptors” in author Richard Porter’s brain.

2020 has been a rough year for most, including small businesses. Even so, Everett has been graced with a number of fresh startups this year. Here are 10 of our favorites.

Retail

Three new retail stores opened in Everett this year, and you know what? They’re all pretty darned delightful.

Colors of Hawaii

A little slice of sunshine at the corner of Broadway and 19th in North Everett. Colors of Hawaii carry all things Hawaiian from gifts to goodies. Stop by to lift your Aloha spirit and say hi to Aunty Cindi.

Best Puzzles & Gifts

Barely making the 2020 cut, a new puzzle shop came to town in early December. Best Puzzles & Gifts is stocked full of puzzles, games, and toys for your perusing pleasure. The original idea of a couple 7 year olds, it’s no wonder this place is handing out smiles like they’re going out of style.

Pops Skateshop

The week after Best Puzzles & Gifts opened, another new cool store opened right around the corner. Pops Skateshop, AKA Everett’s best skateshop. Stocked with all things skateboarding, shoes, and clothes. Pop on in and yell, “do a kickflip!” Or even better, buy a skateboard and learn to kickflip yourself, ya lazy bum.

Food + Drink

We know you all love a good place for some great grub. Even when you have to get it to-go only. Here are a few new hot spots.

Touba Bakery

Just like grandma used to make ‘em. Papa Seck has blessed us with a fresh bakery in the South of Everett. Unless you’re prepared for your mouth to start watering you should probably not go read more about their fresh croissants, pastries, and tarts.

Cafe uu

Downtown Everett kicked off 2020 with a serious infusion of Korean-inspired spice from Cafe uu. Even walking in for a moment to pick up food, the design of this space will make your jaw hit the floor. But if you think the space is remarkable, just wait until you try the food.

Remarkable style, Café uu // Garret Hunt

Nadines

Speaking of ridiculously beautiful places, you can’t miss Nadines right across the street from Cafe uu. Well, actually, you probably will miss Nadines, because the entrance is hidden in the alley. But if you’re looking for a new take on an old fashioned, Nadines coffee mocktails and classy vibe are well worth the find.

Las Fridas

Spice things up with some sweet Mexican snacks from Las Fridas. Delicious, fresh, and fun. Reward your taste buds with horchata ice cream, sorbet, a coctel de frutas with the exact right amount of Tajin seasoning, or any of their other many tasty treats to choose from.

Bayside Cafe

Serving up bar food with a twist. The Bayside Cafe’s menu is all plant-based. Word is, it’s so delicious you won't even notice the lack of meat. If you haven’t tried plant-based yet, this is your place.

Waterfront Wines

Waterfront Wines made a splash down at the Everett waterfront this year. Thanks to the savvy beverage connaisseurs at Bluewater Distilling, they’ve repurposed some extra space into Everett’s newest wine shop. Restock your quarantine survival kit with over 100 varieties to choose from.

Wild Card

Lastly, we’ll end with a wild card that doesn’t fit into the food or retail sections.

Abacus

Abacus is a new Everett-based technology startup empowering the world of makers. It’s virtual learning with a key twist: everything is hands on. Whether you want to learn bookbinding or teach your craft to others, you can up your maker-game with Abacus.

We want to know, what’s your favorite new business in Everett this year?

Also, shout-out to the businesses we’ve lost this year. We will miss you. And we’re rooting for all the small local businesses still struggling. It’s been a tough one, for sure. Thanks to everyone who makes a point to support local and help keep our community thriving. Y'all rule! 🙌