OurBar opened in downtown Washougal seven years ago, bringing a burst of youthful energy to Main Street. The whimsical paintings of animals standing upright in formal attire, the mix-and-match vintage mugs, and the handmade reclaimed wood tables and bar created a relaxed, hipster vibe. The menu featured scratch-made comfort food filled with locally grown ingredients.

Anyone who has walked by, perused the menu or followed OurBar’s social media can tell things have changed.

I met with owner Alex Yost to get more insight into what has changed, what remains the same and what the future holds for this beloved cafe.

• Alex Yost still owns OurBar.

OurBar was opened by Yost and her then-boyfriend, future husband and soon-to-be ex-husband Kevin Credelle. He was the friendly guy behind the bar who became the public face of OurBar.

Yost was there the entire time in her comfort zone: the kitchen. She earned a degree from Oregon Culinary School and has cooked in kitchens throughout the West Coast. When the couple split, it became apparent that Yost should take over OurBar.