In 2025, Snohomish County’s business landscape reflected both bold growth and persistent headwinds. Below are the highlights of our 2025 business coverage.
Frontier Airlines comes and goes at Snohomish County’s Paine Field International Airport
Frontier Airlines launched service at Paine Field (PAE) in Everett on June 2, 2025, with non-stop flights to Denver, Phoenix, and Las Vegas using fuel-efficient Airbus A320s. The inaugural Phoenix flight arrived at 10:30 a.m., marked by a ribbon-cutting, water cannon salute, and zoo animal ambassadors. Officials including Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers and Airport Director Joshua Marcy highlighted affordable travel options, economic growth, and Paine Field’s role as a less congested alternative to Sea-Tac. The airport has served 3.2 million passengers since its terminal opened, contributing $60 billion annually to the economy. Frontier’s addition supports potential expansion to seven gates. Frontier announced it will discontinue service beginning 2026.
Thousands of Starbucks baristas strike over stalled labor contract negotiations
Starting November 13, 2025, over 1,000 unionized Starbucks Workers United members from 65 stores (including in Redmond and Seattle areas) struck due to stalled contract talks. Demands include better staffing, higher pay (65% immediate increase), improved hours, and protections against alleged unfair practices (over 1,000 NLRB filings, 700 unresolved). Starbucks disputes claims, noting the union represents under 4% of workers, has rejected proposals, and that disruptions affect 1% of stores; the company cites $500M in staffing investments and average pay over $30/hour. No resolution reported; pickets continue.
Alleged wage theft at Lynnwood’s ENSO Project, workers cheated, City censors union’s warnings
Workers on the ENSO mixed-use project in Lynnwood (318 apartments, commercial space, approved 2024 with tax breaks) alleged wage theft by subcontractor GMH LLC, including unpaid overtime (e.g., 44–52 hours paid as 40), no mandated breaks, and improper deductions. Anonymous reports from 50–60 workers cited exploitation and fear of reprisals. In September 2024, Union Carpenters Local 425 warned the City Council of underground economy risks; the city reportedly removed meeting video and ignored follow-ups. Construction began August 2024; opening expected 2026.
Port of Everett cuts ribbon on new Net Shed Fish Market at Restaurant Place
The Port of Everett and Way Hospitality Group opened the Net Shed Fish Market on December 16, 2025, at Restaurant Row (Seiner Drive). The 2,700 sq ft year-round venue offers fresh local/global seafood (halibut, salmon, shrimp), menu items like fish n’ chips, chowder, tacos, and rice bowls, plus draft beer, wine, indoor/outdoor seating overlooking the wharf, and a gift shop. Inspired by historic net sheds, it connects the public to the fishing industry. Hours: 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Mon–Sat, to 7 p.m. Speakers at the Ribbon-cutting praised waterfront revitalization.
Boeing completes $4.7 billion reacquisition of Spirit AeroSystems
Boeing finalized its $4.7 billion reacquisition of Spirit AeroSystems on December 8, 2025 (previously sold in 2005). The deal integrates Spirit’s Boeing commercial operations (fuselages for 737, structures for 767/777/787, plus P-8/KC-46 programs), spare parts, maintenance, and aftermarket services. About 15,000 employees from sites in Wichita, Dallas, Tulsa, and Prestwick join Boeing; Spirit Defense becomes an independent subsidiary under Boeing Defense. The Belfast site operates as Short Brothers, a Boeing Company. The move aims to strengthen supply chain control and production quality.
Peace of Mind Brewing & Coffee Opens New Coffeehouse in Lynnwood
Peace of Mind Brewing & Coffee expanded its Lynnwood taproom (18411 Hwy 99) into a full daytime coffeehouse on November 10, 2025, marking three years in business. Open Mon–Fri 7 a.m.–2 p.m. and weekends 8 a.m.–2 p.m., it offers espresso drinks, Red Bull Italian sodas, and Fulcrum Coffee Roasters brews. Owner Brandon Molina and daughter Gabrielle (12+ years barista experience) position it as a community “third space” for work, reading, and socializing in an art-focused, family-run setting.
T&T Supermarket holds grand opening ceremony at Lynnwood Crossroads
T&T Supermarket opened its second Washington location (30,000 sq ft) at Lynnwood Crossroads (19630 Highway 99) on November 13, 2025. The store features Asian groceries, fresh produce, live seafood, in-house prepared foods (BBQ, congee, sushi), bakery (150+ items including exclusive matcha pineapple snow volcano cake), snacks, hot pot ingredients, and same-day delivery. Exclusive items include Baby Bear Bao and specialty drinks. The event featured lion dance, remarks from Mayor Christine Frizzell and T&T CEO Tina Lee. Hours: 9 a.m.–10 p.m.
Rustic Cork Wine Bar opens at Port of Everett’s Restaurant Row
Rustic Cork Wine Bar, originally founded in Lake Stevens in 2020 as the city’s first wine bar, opened its second location at the Port of Everett’s Fisherman’s Harbor (Restaurant Row) on December 2, 2025. Situated next to Waterfront Place Apartments and Hotel Indigo, the venue focuses on Washington wines from the Columbia and Yakima valleys, complemented by shareables like charcuterie boards, flatbreads, and paninis. It hosts trivia nights, live music, and private events, with a Cork Club membership offering perks such as free tastings. Port CEO Lisa Lefeber noted its alignment with the waterfront’s growing dining scene, including neighbors like Fisherman Jack’s and South Fork Baking Co. The area features 63,000 sq ft of retail space, with plans to attract more wineries and distilleries.
Everett’s Odyssey Coins-2 is just as much a museum as it is a collectible coin store
Odyssey Coins-2, located at 5215 Evergreen Way in Everett’s South Forest Park neighborhood, serves as both a collectible coin shop and a historical museum. Operating for 43 years, it sells rare coins, bullion, military artifacts, and historic firearm accessories sourced primarily from estates. Current owner Ross Angeledes (fourth owner since 2000) draws inspiration from his grandfather Russell Pratt and his passion for history, including studying ancient languages for coinage research. The store also handles jewelry at metal value and provides expert appraisals. Highlights include a 3,000-year-old coin from Tyre tied to biblical events and military surplus from Purple Heart recipients. Angeledes emphasizes respectful handling of sensitive items (e.g., from Nazis, Soviets, Confederates) as historical “spoils of war.”
Boeing secures FAA approval to increase 737 MAX production to 42 per month
On October 17, 2025, Boeing received FAA approval to raise 737 MAX production at its Everett facility from 38 to 42 aircraft per month. The increase follows safety reviews after the January 5, 2024, Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 incident. The FAA lifted the prior cap after verifying quality improvements. U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen praised the move for supporting jobs and Boeing’s focus on engineering excellence. Under new CEO Robert “Kelly” Ortberg (appointed August 2024), the company emphasized safety, supplier collaboration, and FAA oversight. This comes after leadership changes, a 2024 labor strike, and strong Q2 2025 financials (35% revenue growth to $22.7 billion, reduced losses, positive cash flow).
New indoor basketball training center, Shoot 360, opens in Lynnwood
Shoot 360, an advanced indoor basketball training facility, opened on October 19, 2025, at 12410 Beverly Park Road in Lynnwood. The 12,000 sq ft space includes a half court, six passing bays, and six shooting hoops equipped with computer vision technology and proprietary software for real-time feedback on ball handling, passing, and shooting. Users access gamified drills and progress tracking via a companion app. Open to ages 5–75, it offers year-round training, adult leagues, and accessibility for all skill levels (including disabilities). Owner Danish Majeed, inspired by a 1992 U.S. trip, franchised after visiting a Kirkland location. Rates: $30 drop-in or $175 unlimited monthly; hours: weekdays 2–8 p.m., weekends 10 a.m.–6 p.m. The chain (founded 2012 in Oregon) operates 55 locations worldwide, including 28 NBA facilities.
Everett Fred Meyer closes amid food insecurity crises
Kroger announced permanent closures of Fred Meyer stores in Everett (8530 Evergreen Way) and Kent on October 17–18, 2025, citing theft, regulatory issues, and affecting 360 employees. Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin focused on short-term grocery access, local market support, and site redevelopment tied to South Everett’s economic strategy and light rail. Councilman Ben Zarlingo challenged theft claims, noting an 82% drop in shoplifting since 2020 and 36% overall crime reduction (2023–2024) due to city efforts like patrols. UFCW Local 3000 criticized the closures as profit-driven, risking food deserts. Kroger offered relocations and highlighted doubled security investments. Community impacts on families and seniors prompted council discussions on August 20.
Grocery Outlet expands to Mountlake Terrace offering new discounted options for residents
Grocery Outlet opened a 17,000 sq ft store at 24360 Van Ry Boulevard in Mountlake Terrace on August 7, 2025, owned by Racheal and Tommy Harmon (operators of the Lynnwood location since 2021). The store offers discounted groceries, fresh produce, meat, deli, beer/wine, frozen items, beauty supplies, and new branded products. A ribbon-cutting featured Mayor Kyoko Matsumoto Wright, Mayor Pro-Tem Bryan Wahl, and Council members. The first 100 shoppers received $100 gift cards; 280 people lined up by 4 a.m. The store partners with Concern for Neighbor food bank, donating $1,000 initially and weekly contributions. It replaces closed Roger’s Market, near light rail and apartments, with 37 new hires from 250 applicants. Grocery Outlet (founded 1946) has over 500 locations.
Kongsberg to begin AUV manufacturing in US for the first time, right in the heart of Lynnwood
Norwegian firm Kongsberg Discovery announced it will manufacture its HUGIN Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) in the U.S. for the first time at its Lynnwood facility. HUGIN AUVs are preprogrammed electric vessels for deep-sea (up to 6,000 m) data collection via sensors, used by military (50% of customers), science, and mapping. Models like HUGIN Superior will be assembled in Lynnwood for U.S. and Norwegian clients. Puget Sound was selected for its environmental similarities to Norwegian waters. Rep. Rick Larsen toured the site on July 31, 2025, addressing ITAR export issues and advocating for consistent defense contracts. Kongsberg (founded 1814) has supported U.S. defense for 130 years and expanded Lynnwood staff in 2023.
Garbage collection in Snohomish County suspended during Republic Services strike
Over 2,000 Teamsters union workers struck Republic Services starting July 1, 2025, in Lacey, demanding higher wages (currently 13% below industry average at $19/hour), better healthcare, and improved benefits. The strike halted garbage collection in parts of Snohomish and King Counties (including Lynnwood, Edmonds, Everett, and Arlington), causing widespread waste buildup after nearly a month. Picket lines, bolstered by out-of-area Teamsters, disrupted operations. Republic Services (2024 revenue $16 billion) claimed the strike was led by external workers and prioritized critical customers like hospitals. Negotiations resumed July 18 with a federal mediator, set for July 30 in Lacey. Residents received no refunds for missed pickups; limited drop-off sites were available in South Snohomish County.
Everybody needs a stretch, and nobody knows stretching like Lynnwood’s Stretch Lab
Stretch Lab Lynnwood opened in October 2024 at 18411 Alderwood Mall Parkway, Suite E, offering personalized assisted stretching to improve flexibility, posture, circulation, and reduce stress. Services include one-on-one sessions (25-min $39, 50-min $59) using PNF techniques by certified flexologists, MAPS Body Assessment Technology, and Normatec compression therapy. Owned by Michael and Rebecca Son (part of Xponential Fitness), it features memberships with perks like free monthly compression. A notable case involved a paralyzed client regaining independent walking after a year. The studio accepts FSA/HSA and serves a diverse clientele near Alderwood Mall.
Here’s a quick look at Marysville’s CIC, a 5.1 million square ft economic development zone
The Cascade Industrial Center (CIC) spans 5.1 million sq ft across 4,000+ acres (1,700 developable) along I-5 in Marysville and Arlington, serving as Snohomish County’s largest manufacturing hub after Paine Field/Boeing. Developed since 2015 through city collaboration, it hosts companies like Pepsi Frito-Lay, Amazon, Echandia, Gravitics, and Eviation Aircraft. Incentives include up to 10-year property tax exemptions for qualifying projects (25 jobs at $18/hr). Infrastructure includes a $42M freeway interchange (2025–2031 start), proposed arterials, and I-5 improvements. Expected to create 20,000 jobs and $14.5M annual taxes, it supports the region’s high manufacturing workforce concentration.
Lynnwood REI’s new location celebrates grand opening
REI’s new Lynnwood store at 19500 Alderwood Mall Parkway held its grand opening on April 4, 2025, after relocating from Alderwood Mall (where it operated 20 years). The 39,000 sq ft facility—double the previous size—includes expanded warehouse/salesfloor, water sports department, bike repair shop, and a community room for workshops, classes, and nonprofit events on conservation. GM Nikka Mashapure (24 years with REI) noted increased product variety demand. It employs 70 staff and serves as the only north-end REI between Seattle and Bellingham. The ribbon-cutting drew 200 attendees.
At RAW Aesthetics and Wellness Med Spa, mental health starts within
Dr. Bridgette Jeffries expanded her Lynnwood mental health practice (since 2019) to RAW Aesthetics and Wellness Med Spa in February 2025 at 4630 200th St SW, Suite B. The clinic integrates therapy/medication with aesthetics (Botox, laser treatments, tattoo removal, hair restoration, IV therapy) and innovative tech (Theta chamber for neurotransmitters/trauma, TMS therapy, Emsella Chair for pelvic health). Emphasizing mind-body confidence, it offers free consultations, monthly discounts, and plans a nonprofit (Healthy Mind Stimulation) for low-income access. Most insurance accepted for mental health; aesthetics out-of-pocket. The zen-inspired space is near Lynnwood Link Light Rail.
Viral Taiwanese Bubble Tea House opens in Lynnwood
HeChaLou Tea House and Jelly, a popular Taiwanese bubble tea chain (founded 2020), plans to open its first Washington location in Lynnwood between May and June 2025 at 19888 40th Avenue West, Suite A101 (Ember Apartments). Franchise owner Sam Wu (Everett resident) highlights signature Tea Jelly for enhanced texture, with no-bitter loose leaf teas, lattes, fruit teas, slushies, and egg puffs. Beverages start at $5, featuring unique toppings like Black Tea Jelly and Matcha Jelly. The chain has grown rapidly in Taiwan and debuted in the U.S. in California.
Bellevue-based dim sum restaurant Dough Zone opens its first Snohomish County location
Dough Zone, a Bellevue-based dim sum chain (founded 2014), opened its first Snohomish County location on February 12, 2025, at 19702 Highway 99 (Lynnwood Crossroads, former Hops n Drops site). The 5,100 sq ft restaurant seats 120 and offers quick, affordable Chinese dishes under $10, including Siu Mai, Xiao Long Bao, Dan Dan Noodles, and panfried Q-bao. It uses a paper menu system for 15-minute service, with takeout, delivery, and online waitlist. The chain has 27 locations nationwide; community demand drove the expansion in the diverse area. Open daily 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
New youth swim school, Aqua-Tots, opens in Lynnwood
Aqua-Tots Swim Schools opened its first Washington location in early March 2025 at 19715 Highway 99, Suite 102, Lynnwood. Owned by Erin and Ben Sheedy, the franchise (founded 1991, 167 locations worldwide) provides year-round indoor lessons for children aged 4 months to 12 years in a 60×24-foot pool with 14 zones. The standardized curriculum emphasizes water safety to reduce drowning risks. Future additions include competitive training. Programs support low-income families and children with disabilities (makeup donations matched for free private lessons). An open house featured tours and refreshments.
Lynnwood Shari’s permanently closed after years of financial struggles for diner chain
Shari’s Cafe and Pies in Lynnwood (Jamestown Shopping Center, near HWY 99 and 196th St.) permanently closed as part of the chain’s financial troubles, with 15 of 20 Washington locations shut down. Founded in 1978 in Oregon, the chain faced over $900K in unpaid lottery debts, $4M in rent lawsuits, and pandemic-era unpaid rent notices. The Lynnwood site, open since 1993, was a 24-hour diner known for pies, bottomless coffee, and oversized breakfasts. No local rent filings noted, but reader reports suggest closure around July/August 2025. Only five Washington locations remain.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
