Recent restaurant closures across Pierce County

Recent closures of Pierce County restaurants underscore economic pressures, shifting consumer habits, and operational hurdles. Venues like Rey Carbon struggled to sustain high-end concepts in regions dominated by casual dining, while neighborhood fixtures like It’s Greek To Me and Patty’s Burgers closed following decades of service, citing challenges like rising costs and owner fatigue. Chains like Jack in the Box and Famous Dave’s saw franchise issues and declining foot traffic lead to multiple closures.

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.

Wok on Fire, a casual Mongolian grill restaurant at 5500 Olympic Dr. NW in Gig Harbor, closed in early 2025. The business encouraged customers to visit their Silverdale location. By Julia Park

NO. 1: MONGOLIAN GRILL RESTAURANT CLOSES ITS PIERCE COUNTY LOCATION AFTER 10 YEARS

“It has been an honor serving this community, and we are beyond grateful for your support, loyalty, and the many wonderful memories we’ve shared,” a sign on the door said. | Published February 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Julia Park

Owner Sandy Jang at his Rolls House restaurant in east Tacoma, Washington, on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. City of Tacoma permitting officials have told Jang that in order to continue the food delivery service that keeps his business profitable, the restaurant must first install a $120,000 gravity grease interceptor. “How do I survive?” Jang asked. By Tony Overman

NO. 2: ‘I WANT TO FORGET EVERYTHING.’ RESTAURANT STYMIED BY TACOMA’S GREASE-TRAP POLICY CLOSES

The owner had called attention to an unwritten city rule that refused to let him use commonplace food-delivery apps. | Published January 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kristine Sherred

Patty’s Burgers has closed permanently at 5615 South Tacoma Way. By Kristine Sherred

NO. 3: RETRO-THEMED BURGER SPOT IN SOUTH TACOMA HAS CLOSED AFTER A NEARLY 15-YEAR RUN

The owners had also briefly operated a location downtown. | Published January 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kristine Sherred

It’s Greek To Me, 1702 6th Ave., will close in November after 34 years in Tacoma. The owners of Balloon Roof Baking Co. have bought the building. By Kristine Sherred

NO. 4: TACOMA GREEK RESTAURANT KNOWN FOR FILLING GYROS, CHEESY PIZZA TO CLOSE AFTER 35 YEARS

The owners have leased the building to a local bakery. They’ll keep cooking at their new-this-year burger truck. | Published November 11, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kristine Sherred

Famous Dave’s closed its Tacoma restaurant and its Tukwila location after service on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. By Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer

NO. 5: FAMOUS NO MORE? BARBECUE RESTAURANT CLOSING 2 WASHINGTON LOCATIONS, INCLUDING TACOMA

The franchised restaurant in Tacoma’s South End had just been remodeled earlier this year. | Published December 5, 2024 | Read Full Story by ksherred@thenewstribune.comKristine Sherred

An abandoned car rests on blocks inside the fenced-off parking lot of a closed Jack in the Box restaurant at 6702 Sixth Ave. in Tacoma on Nov. 13, 2024.

NO. 6: FROM HOT TACOS TO HOT MESSES: JACK IN THE BOX LOCATIONS CLOSE ACROSS TACOMA, LAKEWOOD

Four locations in Tacoma quickly have become eyesores. | Published November 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Craig Sailor Debbie Cockrell

Rey Carbon is a Mexican steakhouse at 6112 100th St. SW in Lakewood from the owners of the El Rinconsito and El Antojo family of taquerias. By Kristine Sherred

NO. 7: AMBITIOUS MEXICAN RESTAURANT IN LAKEWOOD HAS CLOSED. OWNERS SAY IT WAS LOSING MONEY

The parent company, which operates several casual brands, said the location didn’t match the concept. | Published December 11, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kristine Sherred

Dave’s Meat & Produce, located at the bend where I Street meets 21st Street in Tacoma’s North End, offers an array of fresh and frozen meats, plus marinades, vegetables, beer and wine. By Kristine Sherred

NO. 8: NEIGHBORHOOD GROCER, MEAT COUNTER THAT ALSO SUPPLIES TACOMA RESTAURANTS IS CLOSING

After closing the doors abruptly on Feb. 17, the market will reopen on Saturday to sell through remaining inventory. | Published February 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kristine Sherred

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.