New Mexican Restaurant Sign Appears in Downtown Olympia

If you live near downtown Olympia, you may have noticed something new on Columbia Street.

A fresh restaurant sign has appeared at 111 Columbia Street NW, the former home of Chicory. The new signage reads:

“Rica Cocina — Sabor Mexicano, Coming Soon.”

While details are still limited, the sign suggests that a new Mexican restaurant concept could soon be moving into the space.

🌮 A Familiar Downtown Location

The building at 111 Columbia Street NW has been part of Olympia’s dining scene for years, most recently operating as Chicory, a restaurant known for its elevated Southern cuisine and creative supper club events.

After Chicory’s closure, many locals have been curious about what would take over the space — especially given its prime location just steps from downtown’s core.

Now, with the Rica Cocina signage installed, it appears the next chapter for the location is beginning to take shape.

🔎 What We Know So Far

At the moment, information about Rica Cocina remains limited.

There are currently:

• No official website listed

• No confirmed opening date

• No public details about the owners or menu

However, the phrase “Sabor Mexicano” — Spanish for “Mexican flavor” — suggests the concept will focus on Mexican cuisine.

New restaurant signage typically appears once lease agreements and early build-out plans are in motion, so the project likely remains in its early stages.

📍 Why It Matters

Downtown Olympia’s restaurant landscape has been evolving steadily over the past few years, with some longtime establishments closing and new concepts stepping in.

Each new opening helps keep the downtown core active and vibrant — particularly along streets like Columbia, Capitol Way, and 4th Avenue, where foot traffic and nightlife activity are concentrated.

If Rica Cocina moves forward as planned, it could add another dining option to Olympia’s growing mix of casual eateries and specialty restaurants.

⏳ What’s Next?

For now, the sign is the first public hint that something new is coming.

As more information becomes available — including ownership details, menu concepts, and opening timelines — we’ll continue tracking the development.

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