When Elliot and Kaitlin Bagley moved to Candelas with their five kids in 2019, they found options for family friendly activities scarce. Not content with the dearth of amenities on Arvada’s west side, the Bagley’s decided to create some fun of their own. Enter Yeti’s Sweets and Arcade.
Located at 18068 West 92nd Lane next door to the Bluegrass’ Candelas location, Yeti’s opened in the beginning of October. The unique venture — inspired by a similar shop the Bagleys frequented in their former home of Seattle — pays homage to the neighboring flatirons with its name and sasquatch-themed mural and features a pinball arcade, Little Man Ice Cream and house-made doughnuts.
Kaitlin said she and her husband were inspired to open Yeti’s by their family’s own experience on the west side.
“We moved out to Candelas two and a half years ago. We have five kids ranging from 5 months to 15 years. We moved here from Seattle, and there was a place we used to go out there that had ice cream and games,” she said. “There’s not much for kids to do on the west side, especially for kids and adults to get together.”
Kaitlin added that local organizations such as the Arvada Chamber of Commerce helped the Bagleys get Yeti’s off the ground, despite their lack of prior business ownership experience.
“It’s been a very new experience. I had some bartending and restaurant experience, but opening a brick and mortar store — especially coming out of the pandemic — has brought so many things to learn along the way. Arvada is an awesome place to open a business,” Kaitlin said. “We’ve gotten so much support from the city. Everyone’s patience has been really great.”
She added that going forward, Yeti’s is looking to expand its events schedule.
“We’re looking to develop a lot of our events. A free play night, really just trying to focus on getting into the community and having those weekly events, setting up our schedules for that,” Kaitlin said.
Kaitlin added that Yeti’s recently got its liquor license application approved. Yeti’s Sweets and Arcade is open 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday and 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday to Saturday.