The exterior is newly painted, new windows are installed, and the interior is being remodeled at 4752 California Ave SW, a location that has been many things in its history from Carlile Furniture back in the 60's and 70's to Godfather's Pizza, a bar called Guppy's, and several kinds of restaurant, the most recent being the Westside Public House.

Opening on July 19 is Shelby's Bistro and Ice Creamery, owned by Shelby Varden.

Promo signs in the window say it "will be a full-service bistro," serving lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and ice cream. They plan to serve "Bistro Food including delicious appetizers/snacks, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, entrees, desserts and brunch selections." They will have a beer and wine license and serve espresso as well.

They will offer a private dining room for parties and meetings and a semi-private area for other kinds of gatherings.

The company website provides this background information on Varden:

"Shelby grew up in Renton, Washington after his family moved here from New Orleans when he was two years old. From the time he was a youth Shelby has enjoyed creating joyful and memorable experiences for others. During the past 20 years a dream of Shelby’s has been to open a restaurant and share his love of hospitality with the public.

Ice cream has always put a smile on Shelby’s face. Shelby remembers his frequent childhood walks to the neighborhood Big Scoop Ice Cream Parlour and trying to decide which flavor ice cream would suit his craving. He recalls celebrating his early birthdays at Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour and the drums and sirens that regularly sounded when oversized ice cream sundaes were delivered. As an adult, Shelby still makes sure to get a hot fudge sundae when he visits the ice cream shop on Main Street at Disneyland. Needless to say, ice cream is near and dear to Shelby’s heart.

Shelby, SPHR, MBA has prepared for this moment by working in the hospitality industry for twenty years and in the human resources profession for over fourteen years. Shelby worked at Schwartz Brothers Restaurants and Cucina! Cucina! Italian Café in various restaurant, catering and corporate positions, including opening restaurants. In addition, he was previously the Director of Restaurants and Catering at the Alexis Hotel, Director of Human Resources for Mackay Restaurants and worked for Starbucks human resources. Shelby has also attended all of the Disney Institute’s professional development programs at Walt Disney World."

The company is still hiring and looking for a full range of experienced restaurant workers. Resumes can be sent to Shelbys@shelbyswestsseattle.com

Lunch
Tuesday – Sunday 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Weekend Brunch
Saturday – Sunday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Dinner
Tuesday – Thursday 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Friday – Saturday 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sunday 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
“Snacky” Hour
Tuesday – Friday 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Includes discounts on appetizers, beer and wine. Inspired by after school snacks.
Monday Closed