Local

Business developments that shaped Gig Harbor’s landscape in 2024

Stories by Tacoma News Tribune journalists, with AI summarization

New restaurants and larger proposed commercial projects are some of the developments that shaped the Gig Harbor area's business landscape in 2024. A proposed retail and fuel center sparked debate among locals over potential traffic impacts and changes to the community's character. The developer behind the Village at Harbor Hill told residents they'll consider a mixed-use project. Among other new restaurants, Poke Pop opened in Uptown Gig Harbor.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

The two main skincare lines they’ll use during your facial treatments at Serenity Spa are Eminence Organic and Osmosis. By Merissa Humes Photography.

NO. 1: WHAT’S MOVING INTO THE OLD MASSAGE ENVY SPOT IN UPTOWN GIG HARBOR? HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW

Visitors can burn up to 600 calories in a single 30-minute session, the owner said. | Published February 20, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aspen Shumpert

Ashley Bowles in her Align Skincare relaxation spa in the new location on the waterfront in Gig Harbor, Washington, on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2023.

NO. 2: HERE’S WHAT MOVED INTO THE OLD CHRISTIAN SCIENCE READING ROOM IN DOWNTOWN GIG HARBOR

The business moved into the blue cottage in December. | Published February 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aspen Shumpert

Bloom Thai brings a modern menu of Thai dishes to a cute space in Lakewood. Dishes like the crispy Bangkok garlic chicken with rice and crispy basil are served in generous portions on bamboo plates. By Kristine Sherred

NO. 3: 9 NEW RESTAURANTS THAT HAVE OPENED SO FAR IN 2024, FROM TACOMA TO LAKEWOOD TO PUYALLUP

A Tacoma bakery has relocated and two more wine bars debut. Here’s what else is new to eat and drink around Pierce County. | Published March 19, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kristine Sherred

IScreamery moved to a bigger storefront at 7806 Pioneer Way in downtown Gig Harbor, Wash. It will also be home to Hole in the Wall, a counter-service smashburger restaurant. By Kristine Sherred

NO. 4: THEY MAKE SOME OF REGION’S BEST ICE CREAM. NEW SHOP WILL ALSO HAVE A SMASHBURGER WINDOW

The menu includes a burger topped with a crispy layer of chopped bacon, hot dog and onion and a side of garlic-herb fries. | Published September 7, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kristine Sherred

A portion of the site (seen in July) proposed for a new commercial retail development west of state Route 16 along Sehmel Drive in Gig Harbor.

NO. 5: PLAN FOR GIG HARBOR COMMERCIAL FUEL/RETAIL SITE DRAWS IRE FROM SOME OF ITS NEIGHBORS

The proposal would bring a new gas station-convenience store, drive-thru coffee stand and EV charging station. | Published September 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell

A poke bowl with tuna, surimi salad, sliced avocados, seaweed, rice and salad. By Sue Kidd

NO. 6: FREE SUSHI FOR 100 CUSTOMERS TO CELEBRATE NEW POKE POP RESTAURANT IN PIERCE COUNTY

The restaurant will have its grand opening at 11 a.m. Sept. 11. | Published September 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Julia Park

A rendering of Town & Country Market in the Village at Harbor Hill in Gig Harbor. By Town & Country/Powell Development Co.

NO. 7: STALLED RETAIL SITE PLANS IN GIG HARBOR COULD GET NEW LIFE AS MIXED USE, DEVELOPER SAYS

Multifamily units could be part of Village at Harbor Hill, and multiple grocers have shown interest, developer says. | Published December 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.