Dim Sum Spot Taking Over Jimtown Store

It’s official! The historic, long-shuttered Jimtown Store out in Alexander Valley has a new tenant: a dim sum spot and deli called Jimtown and Then Sum. The property transfer was finalized on Leap Day, the store’s former owner writes on Instagram, “after a very loooong escrow.” Jimtown — a little yellow beacon along Highway 128 — closed its doors nearly four years back. Now, local Chinese-American restauranteur Michelle Wood plans to reopen the iconic old outpost as the first brick-and-mortar location for her Sonoma County catering company, Dim Sum and Then Sum. (Hence the name, “Jimtown and Then Sum.”) “Please congratulate Michelle Wood… new owner of Jimtown Store!!” former owner Carrie Brown writes on Instagram. “Looking forward to the next chapter for Michelle, our community and me. Thank you all for your support, encouragement and kindness.” And Michelle herself writes: “What an unbelievable journey… And it was so worth it! And so is this! So worth the fight! I have so much more to say but for now…hallelujah!!! … Stay tuned for more on the next steps and when we will open the doors!!” When I talked to Michelle back in November, she said that while she certainly intends to serve her own signature brand of dim sum and Asian fusion, she’s also planning to preserve the deli and general-store aspects of the old Jimtown. Her vision is to open super early in the morning and serve coffee, pastries and other “breakfasty items” for rural commuters — maybe even from a cart in the parking lot, for super quick service — then continue to serve lunch fare like sandwiches, salads and other picnic-friendly, grab-and-go stuff through late afternoon or early evening. Michelle said she might also add a special brunch menu on Sundays; a frozen section that carries her popular dumplings, pho broth, etc.; and a space for local artisans to sell knick-knacks and other non-food items. Just like the good old days! As for the building itself: “There are going to be renovations, but the look is not going to change that much,” Michelle said. “The color scheme isn’t really my vibe so I might change that.” But in general, “It’s beautiful the way it is.” (Source: Jimtown Store via Instagram & Dim Sum & Then Sum via Instagram)