US 2 businesses thrive on New Year's Day after highway reopens to Stevens Pass

STEVENS PASS, Wash. - Local businesses along U.S. Highway 2 received a welcome economic lift on New Year’s Day after the highway reopened earlier than expected between Skykomish and Stevens Pass.

What they're saying:

For business owners, the return of traffic brought back a familiar and welcome sound.

"You’re hearing nature and then all of a sudden we’ve got traffic back — and that’s great," said Mark Klein, owner of Espresso Chalet in Index.

Klein said each passing car is a reminder that this stretch of Highway 2 is fully reopened and customers are returning. While traffic is still lighter than normal, ski travelers heading to Stevens Pass are helping make up the difference.

"The ski traffic is probably about 50% of normal," Klein said. "The other 50% is usually people going to Leavenworth, and we’re not really seeing those folks yet."

Local perspective:

Customers lined up at Espresso Chalet, ordering drinks like almond milk lattes and browsing Bigfoot merchandise as they made their way toward the pass.

"It’s good for local businesses, getting everybody back up here," customer Gary Blankenburg said.

Farther east in Skykomish, Louskis owner Glenn Eburn said the reopening allowed him to fully staff his restaurant and expand operating hours. Inside, a bell rings each time a new customer arrives.

"We’re open for business. I changed all the hours," Eburn said. "Everybody’s here working. It doesn’t get better than that."

Why you should care:

For many customers, stopping along the once-quiet highway carried extra meaning.

"We want to support the local businesses all the way up, and that’s really important," said customer Rod Long.

As Highway 2 traffic returns to the west side of Stevens Pass, business owners say the reopening is both a relief and a reason for optimism.

"I’d say music to my ears and money in my pocket," Klein joked. "You know."

Business owners also shared a reminder for travelers to drive safely, stay prepared for changing road conditions, and thanked customers for stopping by as the region gets back to business.

MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE

Major stretch of US 2 reopens in WA, lifting spirits for Skykomish businesses, residents

Police identify mother, son as 2 killed in Mercer Island murder-suicide investigation

New WA laws in 2026 include higher wages, luxury car tax, plastic bag fee hike

Seattle’s most anticipated new openings in 2026

WSDOT announces Revive I-5 work begins this January in Seattle

To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.

Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.