New Neapolitan Pizza and Cocktail Bar Coming to Bellingham's Historic Herald Building

Makeworth Coffee founder Corey Silversmith plans to open Pendino in the former Starla's space.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:20pm

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Starla's, a popular natural wine bar and pizza restaurant in downtown Bellingham, is permanently closing after nearly two years in business. However, the space won't stay vacant for long - local entrepreneur Corey Silversmith, the owner of Makeworth Coffee, plans to open a new Neapolitan pizza restaurant and cocktail bar called Pendino in the historic Herald Building location.

Why it matters

The closure of Starla's marks the end of an acclaimed dining destination in Bellingham, but the arrival of Pendino signals continued investment and evolution in the city's vibrant downtown dining scene. As a new concept from a local business owner, Pendino has the potential to become a gathering place that celebrates Bellingham's community and Italian heritage.

The details

Starla's, which was founded by Bellingham native Jordan Koplowitz and Christy Wyble, announced its closure in a March 29 Instagram post. The duo plans to relocate Starla's to Seattle. Meanwhile, Makeworth Coffee owner Corey Silversmith will take over the Herald Building space to open Pendino, a new Neapolitan pizza restaurant and cocktail bar, in May 2026.

  • Starla's opened in the Herald Building in 2024.
  • Starla's announced its permanent closure on March 29, 2026.
  • Pendino is planned to open in the former Starla's space in May 2026.

The players

Starla's

A natural wine bar and pizza restaurant that opened in downtown Bellingham in 2024 but is now permanently closing.

Jordan Koplowitz

A Bellingham native and recent James Beard Award nominee who co-founded Starla's with Christy Wyble.

Christy Wyble

The co-founder of Starla's with Jordan Koplowitz.

Corey Silversmith

The owner of Makeworth Coffee in downtown Bellingham, who is opening a new Neapolitan pizza restaurant and cocktail bar called Pendino in the former Starla's space.

Pendino

The new Neapolitan pizza restaurant and cocktail bar planned to open in May 2026 in the Herald Building location previously occupied by Starla's.

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What they’re saying

“Last night was Starla's final service in Bellingham. Thank you thank you thank you. From the bottom of our hearts, we truly appreciate all the support and love you've given us the past (almost) two years. It's a bittersweet goodbye to this community that's welcomed us, and it's been an honor to feed you pizza and pour you wine.”

— Starla's

“We have decided to move back to Seattle, and we're bringing Starla's with us. Expect a legit pizzeria, expect table service, expect more pies. Maybe a cold martini? No signed lease yet. But hopefully in the near future. … stay tuned. Third time's the charm.”

— Starla's

“The Pendino name comes from my great-grandfather — from Naples, Italy — where restaurants weren't just places to eat, but places to stay. Where conversations stretched longer than expected. Where strangers became friends. Where time softened around the table.”

— Pendino

What’s next

Pendino is currently accepting inquiries for job openings online and plans to open in the former Starla's space in May 2026.

The takeaway

The closure of the acclaimed Starla's restaurant and the arrival of the new Pendino concept in its place reflects the dynamic evolution of Bellingham's downtown dining scene. While the community will miss Starla's, the opening of Pendino, a locally owned Neapolitan pizza and cocktail bar, promises to continue the tradition of the Herald Building as a hub for memorable dining experiences.