Johnny’s Seafood in Tacoma gets a new name — The Fish Peddler

Johnny’s Seafood and Bistro has a new name: The Fish Peddler.

The Foss Waterway restaurant and seafood store had been suffering from a bit of an identity overlap since it opened in May 2014 as Johnny’s Bistro and Seafood, says its manager.

It was not the only Johnny’s on the Foss Waterway, and that meant confusion for diners trying to meet friends for lunch or buy a pound of shrimp.

“It was confusing for the guests with Johnny’s Dock across the way and Johnny’s Seasonings down the street,” said general manager Janin Cassidy. Johnny’s Seafood has been a seafood destination for 40 years on the waterfront. The seafood store was purchased by Pacific Seafood in 2006, but kept the name Johnny’s until now. It always has operated as a fish store, but underwent an extensive remodel last year that added the bistro and a made-over interior.

The Fish Peddler name is now on the sign on the front of the building, but Cassidy said she’s still trying to update another sign. “The reader board is still on top of the building, coming down the loop to Dock Street, but our hope is that we can get the Fish Peddler up there, but we’re trying to work with the city on a plan to get to that point.”

The Fish Peddler name is shared by two other restaurants owned and operated by Pacific Seafood. Each has a different seafood specialty and different menu.

Tacoma’s Fish Peddler kept the bulk of the sandwich and appetizer menu that debuted last May. Menu prices have increased by several dollars since 2014. Several starters increased by $3; many sandwiches increased $2-$5. The menu also now includes heartier entrees and a few more non-seafood dishes.

The restaurant has had its cocktail license since 2014, but only recently added a new bar and started serving a cocktail menu.

This story was originally published May 18, 2015 at 6:55 PM with the headline "Johnny’s Seafood in Tacoma gets a new name — The Fish Peddler."