Amanda R.

McLendon Hardware Incorporated

A special order tub in 2 days when the big national stores required a minimum of 6 weeks.

Repair of equipement rented elsewhere for free so I could get my project complete

30 min discussing alternatives and even recommending options that might not be available in their store.

Everything I needed when I walked in the door and we have done repairs/remodel in every inch of our house. They have camping equipement I couldn't get at REI and anything you could want and they help you find it if you'd like.

There is no need for another hardware store.

Fairwood General Rental Ctr

I walked it and asked for a framing nailer and an air compressor and it took me. 3 visits back to the store to get the right set of equipement and MY intelligence was insulted.

I walked in and asked for a framing nailer and an air compressor. Now I'm not in this business but the drywallers I used were impressed withthe finished product. I was handed a finish nailer and an aircopressor with out a hose. Return and got one with a hose. While trying to buy the nails for this product (that they didn't have available) I realized that htis wouldn't shoot anything through a 2X4 and went back to get the right thing. Got a framing nailer and had to go to 2 separate stores to get the (almost) right nails for it and then home to the project. 2 hours later I have everything cut and ready to peice together and go to hook up my nailer to the compressor to find out the are incompatible. Take it back, the guys in the shop have the nerve to blame this on me. It is my fault that they gave me in correct and incompatible equipement and then wanted to charge me from the moment I walked out the door the first time. There are plentyof other place that provuide these services and I will NEVER consider using them again. I would pay the difference and drive stuff myself to have my friend not use them.

PROS: NONE
CONS: They don't know what they are doing and don't care

Gary Fox Plumbing

Great service. Willing to follow through and see that the job gets done. I've used these guys a few times and the are great. Really comfortable to have around and willing to make it right even if it isn't their fault it's not. Definite use these guys.

Winter of '05 the major ice storm froze my pipes and I had no water and 2 small children. I called about 2:30 and they promised me water before they went home for the night but were slammed. The arrived about 7:30 and were her 'til 9:30 getting thing running again. YEAH Gary's guy!!
The next night 8:30 I hear water running and locate it under my house (it's wood adn dirt down there). I call them (the guy and the owner's cell phones) and they both got back to me in about 10 minutes. I figured they'd turn the water of at the street and fix it in the morning. THe guy OKed it with me and then showed up at 9:30 and left at 11 having been back under the house to fix the weather damage and didn't charge me one red cent for the second visit.

Cycle Therapy

NOT JUST MOUNTIAN BIKE STUFF
Full service bike shop - road, hybrid, and mountain bikes, kids bikes, trailers even unicycles

Gary runs this little shop just south of downtown Kent. Prices are fair but service is out of this world. Free tune-ups if you buy the bike from them. Gary is happy to explain (several times if necessary) the pros and cons of any purchase and let the buyer decide (no confuse you with the details and upsell at this joint). There is a group that rides 2-3 times a week from this shop and is happy to welcome new comers. I went from yes-I-can-ride-a-bike to completing the STP in less than a year with the help of these folks. Best shop in hte area.

PROS: lower presure VERY informative staff
CONS: still looking

Wild Wheat Bakery Cafe

This little shop is owner run. They ditched Ballard to come south for a little tamer lifestyle. Gourmet foods and amazing breads combine with a sleek modern decor to welcome business lunches, an afternoon tea or even an evening date. On the smaller side: they have crayons and drink boxes for the kids (though watch out the last time we got grill (SWISS) cheese, my kids prefer the orange kind). Can't forget the train track out side the windows, definitely a plus for my kids. AWESOME DESSERTS. A little spendy but worth it if you have the funds.

PROS: Great bakery products, good european style breads
CONS: SWISS grilled cheese, I've found it a little cold so bring a sweater