New Biz Oly: Cornerstone

Introducing you to new locally-owned businesses…

The Cornerstone

Ryan Reykdal’s restaurant, The Cornerstone, is best summed up by the mission statement printed on his menu: “The Cornerstone respects all dietary needs, with gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. Healthful alternatives are the basis of all our creative concepts. We believe in serving all organic, local foods to keep our community strong.”

Since age 17, Ryan has cooked. Restaurant jobs in Hawaii and California sparked his interest in whole foods. After 8 years as head chef in a Denver vegetarian restaurant, his love of Northwest Native art drew him to this area. A staunch supporter of Olympia’s Farmers’ Market, Calliope, Terra Lumina, Kirsop Farms, and the Co-op, Ryan gives his compostables to a local farmer.

The menu is ambitious: breakfast (including vegan biscuits and gravy), appetizers (including tiger rolls with a quinoa base), salads, smoothies, freshly squeezed juices, sandwiches, and desserts (including sugar-and-dairy-free German Chocolate cake).

Ryan’s own art adorns his spray-painted walls. A beautiful mirror mosaic by Bleu Wilding sparkles in the front window. A comfy old sofa, wall sconces warmly lighting the walls, and recycled tables and chairs live to serve another day.

“I like Olympia a lot,” says Ryan. “I’m glad to be here. I like making foods for each person’s specific needs. It’s this connection before they order that makes me able to offer them the best foods I can.”

301 East Fourth Avenue, downtown Olympia

Noon – 6 PM, Monday, Thursday, Friday

1 – 6 PM, Saturday

Cash only

Text orders to 250-8364

new-biz-oly is written by Holly Graham. To suggest a new locally-owned business to be featured, please email olympiapowerandlight@gmail.com.