Now open: more wood-fired pizza, a kombucha bar and a bigger boutique
On Memorial Day weekend, one business expands and another celebrates its grand opening on Tacoma’s Sixth Avenue.
Just northeast of the Pierce County border, a wood-fired pizza place has opened a second location.
NEW WOODFIRED PIZZA IN MAPLE VALLEY
Cascadia Pizza Co., a wood-fired pizzeria based in Enumclaw, opened a second restaurant in Maple Valley April 24, featuring plentiful outdoor seating and a beer garden overlooking the Cedar River.
The family business led by Christian Buck, Thomas Reinhard and Calvin Freatman took over the red building at 22607 SE 216th Way, home to Seven Diner until January 2021.
Buck started Cascadia in 2015 as a mobile food trailer, which he parked regularly outside Fills Growlers in Enumclaw. They now have their own space next door at 1409 Griffin Ave., though pizza is often enjoyed at the taproom.
With hand-stretched dough, these wood-fired pies ($9-$13 for 10-inch, $17-$25 for 14-inch) range from the classic margherita to the Lombardi with garlic-butter sauce, mozzarella and basil, or the Season Pass with wine-pickled red onions, jalapeno and pepperoni. They also make dessert pies ($9) in flavors like S’mores and Apple Pie.
KOMBUCHA TAPROOM OPENS IN TACOMA
Colorful and welcoming, Komadre Kombucha, Tacoma’s first dedicated kombucha taproom, will celebrate its grand opening Saturday, May 29, noon to 4 p.m.
The colorful, welcoming space at 2914 6th Ave. — formerly home to Ice Cream Social — features murals by local artist Marisol Ortega and Havana Finca tile, with tables and lounge seating. Enjoy kombucha straight from the tap, or grab bottles for later, in rotating flavors such as Raspberry Mojito, Guava Limeade, Ginger Plum and Pineapple Mandarin.
Owner and head brewer Julie Davidson discovered kombucha a few years ago, quickly developing an affinity for the drink appreciated for its gut-health benefits and non-alcoholic refreshment. Her approach to both the product and the experience of visiting the shop is rooted in her Cuban and Panamanian heritage.
An avid baker, she also offers homemade treats — Mexican chocolate brownies and key lime sugar cookies among them.
Stop by Komadre Kombucha in the Sixth Ave. business district Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and at the Tacoma Farmers Market on Broadway on Thursdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
RUSTON MERCANTILE EXPANDS ON 6TH AVE
Also on Sixth Avenue, Ruston Mercantile will reveal its expanded storefront on Saturday, May 29, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The breezy store opened in 2017 at 2503 6th Ave. with a variety of home decor, furniture, gifts and clothing, much of it sourced from local vendors and consignors. Earlier this spring, owners Lacy Lind and Troy Smith began renovating the 2,800-square-foot space next door at 2501 6th Ave., which previously housed Jewell Day Spa.
Now with 4,000 total square feet, they have brought in new vendors and still have room for more, said Lind. There is also a workshop area for do-it-yourself events.
After discovering a passion for refinishing furniture in 2012, Lind and Troy opened Ruston Mercantile in 2017.