New restaurant going in at the old Shari’s on South Union close to opening, records show
People who’ve driven by Tacoma Central Shopping Center and the former Shari’s restaurant location might be wondering when the new IHOP is going to open.
In May, The News Tribune reported that the pancake restaurant chain was planning to open a new location at 2323 S. Union Ave. Shari’s, formerly at the site, closed in January 2022. A company media representative at that time said it would open sometime late September-early October.
IHOP, in response to questions this week, told The News Tribune the new restaurant will open “by the end of the year.”
It will not be a 24/7 operation. Hours of operation will be Sunday through Thursday: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 6 a.m. to midnight.
City of Tacoma records show the site filing for sign approval Oct. 23, with other remodeling permits either in process or incomplete as of Oct. 25. The remodel includes new interior partition walls, new kitchen equipment, new finishes, new booths and seating, and new restroom fixtures, among other items, according to documents filed with the city.
A condition attached to the site’s file noted that “No final occupancy” would be cleared until installation/approval of gravity grease interceptor. The records indicate that is still in process.
IHOP has five locations already in Pierce County, including Tacoma, Lakewood and Puyallup.
Tacoma Central shopping center has seen changes since it was sold four years ago. St. Louis-based Bianco Properties purchased it then for just under $30 million. The real estate investment and property management firm also owns Rainier Place Shopping Center in Tacoma (home to REI, among other retailers) and Alderwood Crossing Shopping Center in Lynnwood.
Bertolino Brothers Coffee Bar, which had been at the Tacoma Central shopping center for more than two decades, left in May 2020. Jade Lounge opened in the former Bertolino space in September 2022, offering bubble tea, matcha and Vietnamese coffee.
Tacoma Central, not far from the South Union Avenue exit off state Route 16, includes Target, Hobby Lobby and T.J. Maxx, among other retailers.
