Boundary Bay unveils Boundary on State nanobrewery and taproom in downtown Bellingham

“We’re opening a new, smaller space in downtown Bellingham. True to the spirit and a tip of the hat to the old, this fresh new gathering place will feature a nanobrewery, a rotating and carefully curated food menu, along with wine, signature cocktails, and the Boundary Bay beers you know and love,” Boundary Bay posted on its website and social channels Feb. 20–21, 2026 announcing the venue name Boundary on State and showing a photo outside 954 N. State St., the storefront formerly occupied by Time and Materials Taphouse.

A Washington State liquor-license application filed Feb. 14, 2026 is tied to the project, reporting sources say. Whatcom News identified the applicants on that filing as Owner Ed Bennet and General Manager Janet Lightner and noted the application seeks authority to serve beer, wine and/or spirits in a restaurant and to operate a microbrewery under the name Boundary on State; other local reporting and the company’s historical pages use the spelling Ed Bennett.

Boundary Bay’s announcement and site copy stress that the new downtown spot will include an on-site nanobrewery alongside rotating food, wine and signature cocktails, and the company confirms its beer distribution will continue through a contract-brewing partnership. Boundary Bay’s website states, “Boundary Bay beer is still being brewed and poured across Washington. Through our partnership with Black Raven Brewing, we’re contract brewing the Boundary Bay classics you know and love, keeping them in stores, restaurants, bars, and pubs throughout the state.”

The brewery’s official “What Beers will be available” list published on the Boundary Bay site names Cedar Dust IPA, Scotch Ale, Northwest Original IPA, Amber Ale, Bellingham Blonde, Hazy Dust IPA, 12 Degree Pilsner, Boundary Lager and Imperial Oatmeal Stout as beers expected at the new venue. Cascadia Daily News additionally lists local outlets where Boundary beer remains sold, including Nikki’s Bella Marina, Paws For A Beer, McKay’s Taphouse and Whole Foods.

Boundary Bay’s downtown plan follows a year of changes for the long-running Bellingham operation. Founded in 1995 by Ed Bennett and Janet Lightner, the original Boundary Bay at 1107 Railroad Ave. featured a restaurant, outdoor beer garden and regular live music; company site copy reads “As of Tuesday, September 30th, we are no longer open to the public.” Cascadia Daily News also cites a 2024 statement from Bennett and Lightner: “It’s time for us to retire,” which they tied to the Boundary building going up for sale.

No opening date for Boundary on State has been announced. Whatcom News published its story Feb. 24, 2026 at 1:23 p.m. reporting the liquor-license filing, and Boundary Bay’s site closes its announcement block with, “Built for conversation, connection, and community. More details coming soon.” For now the Feb. 14 license filing, the Feb. 20–21 company announcement and the 954 N. State St. photo provide the clearest public footprint of the new nanobrewery and taproom. Boundary Bay’s listed contact remains Brewery & Bistro, 1107 Railroad Ave., Bellingham, Washington, phone 360.647.5593.