Two years after a fire forced this popular restaurant to close, it’s back open in Tacoma
More than two years after a fire shuttered the original Tacoma restaurant, Happy Teriyaki has returned to Pacific Avenue with its signature $12.95 combo meals and $8.95 lunch specials, plus poke bowls and seven sushi burritos for under $12.
It officially opened Monday.
The menu resembles its former self and that of sister spots in Fife and, as of this year, DuPont. In addition to teriyaki plates, mains run the gamut from chow mein and fried rice, to yakisoba, orange chicken and chicken katsu. Appetizers include crab rangoon, calamari tempura and egg rolls.
“We’re very excited to offer another dining option downtown and re-engage the downtown community,” owner Tim Bartz told The News Tribune in an email.
For now, Happy Teriyaki #4 will not offer dine-in service, instead sticking with takeout and delivery.
The Aug. 3 opening marks a 28-month journey for Bartz. A grease fire forced the business to close in March 2018. In February, he said he was “optimistic” for an April reopening.
That was, of course, mere weeks before coronavirus lockdowns wreaked havoc on the restaurant industry across America.
Earlier this year, Bartz was staying busy as the owner of now five area restaurants: He bought the Happy Teriyaki in DuPont on Jan. 1, followed by Fuji Sushi in Seattle the following month. Less than a mile north on Commerce Street and 17th, Bartz also operates The Koi, which focuses on sushi, sake and cocktails.
All of his restaurants have persevered through the pandemic, serving takeout and delivery through third-party platforms.
Starting this week in downtown Tacoma, look for a gray building with red trim and a black awning — the original building was painted green.
As the restaurant regains its footing in Tacoma, Bartz said it will soon offer pre-packaged Bento boxes for quick lunches on-the-go.
HAPPY TERIYAKI #4
▪ 2223 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253-272-1544, happyteriyaki.com
▪ Details: Monday to Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; takeout only, delivery through ChowNow
This story was originally published August 4, 2020 at 5:35 AM.