Tatters clothing shop is closing

Beloved clothing shop Tatters will close its doors in mid-January, though owner Michele Tesler will continue to run a small, style consulting service.

“I’m a little sad,” she said. “I’ll miss the customers, but it’s time to do other things.”

Tesler started Tatters in November 2005 at the encouragement of her family and friends. She won the Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Year award in 2008. Tesler, a former nurse, has lived on the Island for 30 years.

“I really appreciate the support of the community, and hope Islanders continue to support local businesses,” she said.

‘Homegrown’ deli opening soon

Homegrown, a local “sustainable sandwich” chain, will open its eighth location in the old Stopsky’s spot in the first week of January, said founder Ben Friedman, who grew up on Mercer Island.

The shop will roll out new menu items when it opens the Mercer Island location, which includes a cold pressed juice line with green and citrus juices and coconut water, and made-to-order salads.

The Island location will also feature the same menu as other stores, including sandwiches with ham and Beecher’s cheese, turkey, bacon and avocado, chicken pesto and grilled cheese with tomato jam, to name a few.

Homegrown serves Stumptown espresso, breakfast sandwiches all day long and has a catering service seven days a week perfect for “soccer games and birthday parties,” Friedman said.

Athletic club to open in Town Center

Ginny Pietila, former co-owner of Club Emerald, is opening a new gym at 77 Central next year called MI Athletic Club. The building permits were approved on Sept. 30, and the expected opening is in January 2015.

Pietila said she wants MI Athletic Club to be “a place for everyone” and to support the Island community, from students to seniors. It will also be home to the Mercer Island triathlon team.

“This has been my dream for many years,” she said. “After Club Emerald closed, people were coming out of the woodwork and asking to help. It reaffirmed that this was meant to be.”

State-of-the-art equipment, including spin bikes, cardio pieces and a TRX suspension system, as well as a free weight area and locker rooms, will be available to gym-goers. There is no additional charge for group classes, but extra services include massage treatments and personal training.

More information, including membership rates, is available at www.miathleticclub.com.

Herzl ner Tamid Judaica Shop

Herzl ner Tamid’s  Judaica Shop is open today between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. or by appointment.

Find last minute Chanukah items from the shop’s collection of ritual pieces and jewelry. They have what you need to “do” Jewish. Proceeds from the shop fund camperships ($3,000) and youth programs ($1,500). Buy Judaica and gifts and give twice! Save 20 percent during December  on every mezuzah.

Terra Bella

Terra Bella, Terra Bella Cooks and Terra Bella’s Holiday Shoppe is open 7 days a week through Christmas. at 2864 77th Ave S.E.