Iconic Maltby Cafe will get a new home and a fresh look

Published 1:30 am Thursday, June 25, 2026

EVERETT — The Matlby Cafe will undergo a major revamp after developers announced plans to build a retail space and townhomes around the beloved restaurant.

The cafe, known for its gigantic cinnamon rolls, will get a new standalone space as part of a plan by Kirkland home builder Westcott Homes and Seattle architecture firm GGLO to build Maltby Village. The village will add approximately 10,000 square feet of retail space, outdoor patios and pedestrian gathering areas, according to a press release.

In addition to the retail center, 91 modern townhouses are set to open in July on the neighboring property, a press release said.

Located in unincorporated Maltby, the Maltby Cafe has garnered its fair share of local supporters since three friends bought the cafe in 1988. Currently, the cafe is run by one of the original three women, Tana Baumler, and her daughter, Keesha Laws.

After decades in business, the cafe came close toshuttering in 2020 until a GoFundMe organized by a local businessman raised $120,000 within days. At the same time, Baumler developed the fundraising campaign, “Miracle on Maltby Street,” which helped the cafe cover a $10,000 payment for employees’ medical insurance until the end of that year.

After the near closure, a high-rise sign reading “Maltby Cafe is Here to Stay” was erected outside, according to previous reporting by The Daily Herald.

The cafe’s building was originally constructed in 1937 as a gymnasium and cafeteria for the neighboring school, which was built 30 years earlier, according to the Maltby Cafe website.

The old school buildings have been home to many businesses and mom-and-pop shops over the years. One of which was Running Wild Spirit, which sold handcrafted soaps, lotions and other body products.

While the owner, Charlene Feetham, is sad to see the space go, she understands what led the property owners to decide to sell.

“I know everyone wants it to stay the same, but someone has to pay the property taxes,” she said.

The owners were very heartfelt about the process since the talk of selling began around six or seven years ago, Feetham said.

Since closing the shop’s doors in December after more than 20 years in business, Feetham said the response from the community has been “very sad and hugely supportive.” She misses spending time chatting with customers in the storefront, but the online shop, arunningwildspirit.com, remains open.

Westcott Homes intends to let the previous businesses stay there as long as possible, but can only guarantee preservation of the cafe, the home building company’s president, Kerek Edwards, told The Daily Herald Wednesday. The cafe will continue to operate during construction in its current home until the new restaurant space is ready.

“It’s always been first and foremost, how do we protect the cafe?” Edwards said.

Westcott Homes is working closely with the mother-daughter team running the cafe to ensure the local landmark keeps its spirit despite the facelift, the release said.

The new development hopes to capture the spirit and history of Maltby through architectural elements, Edwards said. This includes the cafe’s iconic bowling pin sign and repurposing old parts of the property, like windmills, into the design.

The goal for GGLO spokesperson Meaghan McDonald is “to celebrate that character and create a destination that feels authentically connected to the community’s past, present, and future.”

“Maltby has a unique identity and sense of place,” she said in the release.

The crew at Westcott Homes is native to the area and has fond memories of the Maltby Cafe, Edwards said.

“We want to create a home for Maltby Cafe that will allow it to thrive for the next 100 years,” he said in the release. “We understand how important this place is to the community, and we are committed to preserving what people love while creating a space that can serve future generations.”

The project is anticipated to begin next year, the release said. But arriving late next month is Moray at Maltby Village, a collection of townhomes neighboring the village.

The 91 townhomes will feature 11 floor plans, a covered outdoor living space, a pickleball court, dog park and play areas, according to the Westcott Homes website.

Jenna Millikan: 425-339-3035; jenna.millikan@heraldnet.com; X: @JennaMillikan