First Denny's, then Gordo's. Now Olsen's Scandinavian Foods, another Ballard institution, could close at the end of the month, says Ballard Gossip Girl. Sisters Reidun and Anita Endresen, who've owned the shop for the last 12 years, tells My Ballard they're struggling with rising food prices. So they plan to sell Olsen's to a friend. If the purchase goes through, the new owner will likely keep the traditional stock of Scandinavian foods and sundries. If the buyer can't secure a loan, then the sisters will put Olsen's up for sale.
It has become increasingly harder for this generation to keep our heratrige alive. I'm 51 and have taught my kids the "swedish" was of fixing lute fisk. What good is it to teach our kids if we can no longer get what we need. I often go to Ballard, even though I live in Tacoma, as I feel I can honor my family roots just by going there. Uff Da there goes another institution--Olsen's.
Wow, this news is certainly somewhat of a blow to Seattle! As Caroline, I'm not close by, but try to stop by a few times a year, and Olsen's is the given providor for the ever-so-important Christmas ham. There are no other places around that can provide a similarly cured ham, ready to bake in the oven with results that far surpasses anything "honey-baked" or similar.
If Olsen's goes, the only good news is that Scandinavian Specialties "around the corner" ought to pick-up more business and put them in a stronger position. But, as good as they are, they are not (yet) an institution as Olsen's!
I can't tell you how sad this makes me feel. As a native of Ballard, decendant of steadfast Norwegian/Swedish stock and faithful Olsen's shopper the thought of losing this Ballard institution is difficult to swallow. I live in Issaquah and frequently make my way to Ballard to shop and get the basics. I'm sure I speak for others when I say that Olsen's is the standard bearer of "traditional Ballard" and one of the few sources of our Scandinavian identity in Seattle. The thought that my children may not be able to fully enjoy the Olsen's experience is a sad one.
this would suck
I would be very disappointed to see this store close. Every time I travel to Seattle I spot in to get items for members of the family. We also mail order every so often. It is a shame more Scandinavians dont take advantage of this store and are slowly losing their history. I hope it does not come to that.
I live in DC and visiting this website for the first time as I wanted to buy Fenalaar. Although I did not know this store existed before, I am very sorry to learn that due to our current economy, it may have to be sold. I hope that the local scandinavian community in Ballard will rally around this store and try and do whatever to help. If sold, the end buyer will probably be another hugh conglamorate with no similarities to Olsen's. In any event, I hope this will NOT
happen. There goes another "ma and Pa" store....it's sad.
Judy