From Trees to Table: The Story of Treehouse Kitchen

For more than 20 years, the Nelson family has been finding new ways to bring people together.

From building treehouses for people around the world through Nelson Treehouse to creating Treehouse Point, a bed-and-breakfast tucked away in the trees of the Snoqualmie Valley, the Nelsons have always believed that the places we create can bring people closer to one another.

Treehouse Kitchen is the newest expression of that.

If you’ve followed along with us over the past few months, you may have seen the words “Treehouse Kitchen” popping up around Treehouse Point and Nelson Treehouse pages. If you live in Fall City, you may have watched the construction in real time: a tiny building next to Aroma Coffee Co slowly transformed from a smoke shop into something entirely new.

But what exactly is Treehouse Kitchen?

Built in equal parts by treehouse lovers and food lovers, Treehouse Kitchen is a new catering and food commercial kitchen rooted right here in Fall City, Washington, next to Pete’s Treefort.

Plated dinner by Treehouse Kitchen at Chateau Noelle.

Blackened cod in banana leaf made by Treehouse Kitchen for the Forest Feast. Blackened Cod came from Fall City Meats.

Strawberry rhubarb pie by Treehouse Kitchen at a private event.

It started at Treehouse Point

Treehouse Point was founded by Pete Nelson and Judy Nelson in 2006. Though both of them have a passion for hosting and connection, Judy’s love language is food. Her passion for cooking is seen not only at home, but through the delicious breakfasts at Treehouse Point. She shares this joy with her daughter, Emily, who oversees Nelson Treehouse.

Emily Nelson’s belief in other people’s dreams extends well beyond treehouses. In 2018, she and her mother, Judy, purchased a historic building in Fall City with the express purpose of creating a home for Aroma Coffee Co., allowing its women owners to focus on bringing their dream coffee shop to life.

During this time, a small building on the same property became where Emily stored Be In A Tree treehouse goods. She was just waiting for the right business to come here next, and she and Judy imagined from the beginning that it could be something food-related.

When Manny Rodriguez and Abbey Rodriguez came to work at Treehouse Point as the Executive Chef and General Manager, they brought with them a love for community, food, and hospitality. The two found meaning in connecting with guests in a way that left a lasting impact. Breakfasts at Treehouse Point became sacred, as the two ensured each round was made with the best ingredients, the tastiest recipes, and full of warm conversation to start each morning off right.

Eventually, the Abbey and Manny elevated their craft by creating Rodriguez Events and Catering to cater weddings at Treehouse Point, as well as events around the Snoqualmie Valley. It was a dream come true to serve the community great, creative dinners, but the two were yearning for something with deeper roots in Fall City.

Manny says, "I noticed there was quality, authentic food missing in this community. I’ve had this desire to represent my culture and create good food to meet that need.”

After hearing Manny’s desire to create, and experiencing firsthand Abbey and Manny’s passion for hospitality and cooking, Emily and Judy had an idea. They finally found the perfect venture for the small building they bought back in 2018. 

Emily’s newest undertaking was born: Treehouse Kitchen, a commercial kitchen that serves local businesses and families throughout the Snoqualmie Valley.

Rooted in Community 

There is something so special about Fall City – a city so small it’s technically not even a city, but an unincorporated rural town along the rocky shore of the Snoqualmie River. Because it’s so small, it’s no surprise that everyone here knows each other. Not only that, but they care deeply for each other.

“Truly, I think this is the greatest town in the world,” Abbey announces during a celebration marking the completion of Treehouse Kitchen’s construction. “I was born and raised in this town, and now we get to feed the community that built me, and it’s all because of [the Nelsons].”

Treehouse Kitchen at the Tasting and Tacos event with Dominion Distillery.

When asked about what made Judy and Emily eager to create something special for this town, Emily states, “The people of Fall City, including us, are HUNGRY! As a busy parent, I love the idea of having a place in town where I can bring home a wholesome meal to heat up for my family.”

Emily also sees Treehouse Kitchen as an opportunity to continue investing in the people who make the Snoqualmie Valley what it is. The Snoqualmie Valley is made up of 6 towns: North Bend, Snoqualmie, Preston, Fall City, Carnation, and Duvall. Each town offers a unique atmosphere, but they have a few things in common. They are a sanctuary for community, art, and self-expression.

“There are so many talented people in the Snoqualmie Valley, and I’ve always been passionate about creating good jobs for the people who live here,” Emily says. “We can’t wait to share signature family dishes I grew up eating, iconic Treehouse Point recipes, and whatever else the community is craving.”

What Will You Find At Treehouse Kitchen?

Treehouse Kitchen is creating take-home meals designed for families to bring home and share, with servings for four to six people, along with elevated pastries and other offerings for the community. Our goal is to make family cooking easier by providing delicious dinners made with real ingredients for the community we love. Each of our founders is a parent, and they know how hard it can be to find time to cook, especially when your schedule is packed full of driving your kids to games, after-school activities, social events, and more.

Apart from our retail selection, Treehouse Kitchen caters breakfast, events, and weddings at Treehouse Point. They also serve breakfast, lunch, and pastry items for Aroma Coffee Co, as well as hand-make the syrups in Aroma’s specialty drink menu. You can also find lunch and dinner items at The Rec Room in Snoqualmie, including sandwiches, salads, and more!

Treehouse Kitchen tacos from the Tastings and Tacos event with Dominion Distillery.

A few of Treehouse Kitchen’s sweet and savory items at Aroma Coffee Co.

Grilled Cheese by Treehouse Kitchen at The Rec Room.

GRAND OPENING:

Nearly a year ago, as the construction of Treehouse Kitchen began, Manny told our team that “this process has felt really life-giving and purposeful. I see a clear path on how to get good food into people’s hands."⁠ 

Now that vision is finally a reality. Please join us in celebrating this incredible journey, from trees to table, from us to you.

We invite you to celebrate this incredible milestone on Saturday, September 12, from 4:00–7:00 PM. The ribbon-cutting will begin promptly at 4. Then, step inside Treehouse Kitchen for the very first time to check out our take-home meal and pastry selections, browse our gear at a booth outside of Treehouse Kitchen, and grab some of Chef Manny's famous tacos from our outdoor taco pop-up near the back of the kitchen.

Check out our new gear at the Grand Opening!

This kitchen has been a dream years in the making. What started as an idea has become a space where we can create delicious food, gather with our community, and continue serving the Snoqualmie Valley in new ways. 

Thank you, Fall City, for making this dream a reality! We can’t wait to gather together and serve elevated food, rooted in community.

Save the date for our Grand Opening: September 12, 4-7 PM!