Longtime Ownership Creates Waterfront Excellence at Budd Bay Café and Course-side Casual at River’s Edge

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Enjoy Budd Bay Cafe's northwest cuisine delivered to your door.
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The view from Budd Bay Cafe is a favorite for locals and tourists alike.

When deciding where to take out-of-town guest in Olympia, it’s likely that Budd Bay Café, with its waterfront views and delicious food, is on your short list.  An Olympia staple for over 25 years, the bayside eatery has been locally owned and operated the entire time.  The current owners, Patrick Knutson and Pamela Oates, have both poured their hearts and souls into Budd Bay Café, keeping it vital and relevant in the expanding Olympia restaurant scene.  Knutson has been an owner for over 12 years and Oates has worked in a variety of capacities for Budd Bay since its creation in 1988.  “Patrick has always said, ‘Pam came with the building.’ I guess my loyalty and commitment to BBC has paid off,” laughs Oates.

Oates isn’t the only one with loyalty to the café.  Many of the servers have been with the restaurant for over a decade, siting the focus on people and quality food as their reason for staying.  Servers share their honest opinion with guests, suggesting their favorite menu items when asked, and not just pushing the daily special.  This freedom and honesty is appreciated by customers and keeps them coming back for more.

Customers are always number one and their opinion counts at Budd Bay, as well.  A popular special, Wasabi Soy Salmon, was so often requested by diners that the management made it a permanent menu item.  This type of responsiveness and focus on customer service is not the exception, but the norm.

And let’s not forget the view.  With miles of shoreline in Thurston County, there are surprisingly few places to eat that offer such gorgeous view of the Puget Sound.  Oates believes she has the best “office” view in the city with “bobbing boats, salmon colored sunsets and all the calm and strength that our waterfront environment offers. I am fortunate beyond measure,” she concludes.

buds bay cafe
Sitting on the deck of Budd Bay Cafe is a lovely way to enjoy a meal.

The focus on quality, hospitality, and putting people first, the hallmark of Budd Bay Café, has now expanded to River’s Edge Restaurant in Tumwater.  Situated near The Valley Athletic Club and alongside the Tumwater Valley Golf Course, River’s Edge has rotated through several owners in the past.  But, when Oates and Knutson had the opportunity to purchase it five years ago, they didn’t hesitate.  “I am an avid sports enthusiast,” shares Oates, “and the opportunity to invest in a sports bar was an easy choice.”

The sports-themed eatery has been fully remodeled and the menu reflects the same quality of ingredients and care in preparation that you’ll find at Budd Bay Café.  While the entrees have a more casual “pub-food” style, the taste is still fantastic.  Knutson describes River’s Edge as a “classy sports bar” and notes that the bar seats over 100, making it a great gathering spot to watch the game or grab a burger “on the turn” or after 18 holes.  The black and white historic photos that line the walls tell the history of the area, highlighting the historic Olympia Brewery.  “We have the ability to create up to 3 banquet rooms at River’s Edge and host a lot of banquets and special events,” notes Knutson.  Retirement parties, rehearsal dinners, and company functions are just a few of the many special moments celebrated at River’s Edge.   If you haven’t eaten there lately, consider it for a Friday night burger or weekend venue to watch the game.  The food, and service, won’t disappoint.

No discussion of Budd Bay Café would be complete without a mention of their famous Sunday Brunch.  “The brunch has been voted Best of the South Sound Brunch for as long as I can remember,” shares Knutson.  He then continues to share what diners will find at the extensive buffet.  “Just be careful and try not to hurt yourself,” he jokes.  And with the amazing spread and all-you–can-eat price, you could do just that.  Offerings, served from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Sunday, include salmon, pork loin and beef tenderloin.  There is a fresh crepe station along with a variety of seafood offerings.  If eggs are what you are craving, they are cooked to order.  No rubbery scrambled eggs here.  Carving stations are set up throughout and fresh baked pastries and juices are plentiful.  Come hungry and set aside some time for a nap when you get home.

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A sunset along Budd Inlet is enjoyed by diners at Budd Bay Cafe.

Oates shares, “The most special thing about Budd Bay Café is that we are locally owned and operated and always have been.  Patrick and I live in this community and our staff is here, too. We have become a ‘chosen’ family and I am proud of our commitment to the Olympia community. I immensely respect Patrick and the work we do together.”

When it comes down to it, Budd Bay Café and River’s Edge are about people – people like Oates and Knutson, working together towards a common goal, and people like you and me who they are able to please each time we visit.

Budd Bay Cafe

525 Columbia Street NW in Olympia

360-357-6963

 

River’s Edge

4611 Tumwater Valley Drive SE in Olympia

360-753-5100

 

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