Puyallup shop will feature British delicacies at this dinner

There was a level earlier this 12 months when Lori West was not sure if she could maintain the doorways open on her relatives company.

“It was finding terrifying,” West mentioned. “That was the initial time in the 4 years that I have owned the location that I’ve essentially questioned: ‘Are we gonna make it?’”

West owns British Bites at 720 E. Principal Ave. in Puyallup. The store provides imported British goodies these types of as biscuits, jams and sweets. It also has a bakery and bistro for people seeking to get a taste of British-style delicacies.

British Bites will have a fundraising meal from 4-10 p.m. on Friday, June 24 at the shop. All those intrigued can order tickets on the internet at little bit.ly/3OhrZrT for a 4, 6 or 7:30 p.m. time slot. Tickets expense about $60 for every human being.

Attendees can hope a three-training course food, together with British delicacies these as sausage rolls, bangers and mash as properly as raspberry mini vickis. A lot more information about the menu can be identified on the internet at little bit.ly/39LBvVf.

Sausage rolls characteristic “a regular rusk ground pork blend, wrapped into a flaky golden pastry,” according to the menu. Bangers and mash consist of two British sausages, mashed potatoes and onion gravy. Raspberry mini vickis are sponge cake sandwiches loaded with vanilla buttercream and raspberry jam.

Attendees can also anticipate to listen to from the Alex Britton band, a Seattle-primarily based team that handles common/indie rock tunes. A beer and wine backyard will be open for people interested. Beverages are involved with the ticket.

Transport delays and source shortages have been a obstacle throughout the pandemic for shops that rely on imported items this sort of as British Bites. Other nearby enterprises this kind of as the Sari-Sari Shop at 11910 Meridian Ave. E. have also confronted this.

West mentioned a shipping and delivery purchase they positioned in fall 2021 arrived later than they hoped. They envisioned to get their buy in December but bought it in February alternatively. Extra than half of the objects expired by the time the merchandise achieved their retail store and had to be thrown away.

“It’s just turn into truly, really tricky due to the fact the logistics are still a nightmare,” West explained.

The overall expense for that shipment was all around $20,000, which is more than what the retailer ordinarily pays. It was a larger cargo than typical and costs were also better than common because of to the pandemic and inflation. Though they were ready to market a couple of matters, the keep was unable to split even. It was a “big decline,” she said.

The Puyallup Sumner Chamber of Commerce got associated with planning the fundraising supper when they caught wind of West’s condition. This instilled hope in West and her spouse, she mentioned.

They’ve sold about 70 tickets so significantly.

“The men and women that are assisting us do this occasion are astounding,” West claimed. “It’s unquestionably humbled us, and we’re pretty, very grateful for the local community stepping up and performing this.”

This tale was originally published June 23, 2022 5:00 AM.