Recent development and business updates in Gig Harbor

This list of curated articles highlights key development and business updates in Gig Harbor.

One article discusses a company's lawsuit against Gig Harbor for denying sewer service necessary to open a proposed oyster bar, Laguna’s on the Bay.

Meanwhile, a new business called The Midway is set to replace Heritage Distilling in downtown Gig Harbor. The venture, led by Morso Bistro's owner, will offer European-style culinary experiences, combining deli and coffee shop concepts with market elements.

Another piece covers longtime staple Tides Tavern's transition to new ownership. Lastly, plans are moving ahead for a long-awaited commercial fishing dock downtown.

Locust Cider moved their production headquarters and cidery from Woodinville to Gig Harbor, Wash. in 2021, owner Jason Spears said. Earlier this year, they moved some of their production operations to a larger facility in central Washington, freeing up space for a new arcade bar at their Gig Harbor taproom.

NO. 1: POPULAR PIERCE COUNTY CIDER MAKER DOWN TO 1 TAPROOM. IT ONCE HAD OVER A DOZEN

Locust Cider, a cidermaker that once had over a dozen taprooms across Washington state, Texas and Colorado, has just one location remaining after shuttering four others last month. | Published January 6, 2026 | Read Full Story by Julia Park

A rendering from Helix Design Group shows the design for the Laguna’s on the Bay building, including two floors with a seafood restaurant, retail and office space. By Minterbrook Oyster Company

NO. 2: COMPANY TRYING TO OPEN LONG-AWAITED OYSTER BAR SUES PIERCE CO. CITY OVER SEWER

A company seeking to open an oyster bar and seafood restaurant in Purdy has filed a lawsuit against the city of Gig Harbor, challenging the city’s denial of sewer service to the site. | Published January 2, 2026 | Read Full Story by Julia Park

The entrance to Devoted Kiss Café at 8809 N. Harborview Dr. Suite 203, in Gig Harbor, Wash.

NO. 3: BELOVED PIERCE COUNTY BRUNCH RESTAURANT IS EXPANDING. HOW WILL PARKING CHANGE?

How long would you wait for an eggs Benedict, a ham and bacon omelet or banana bread French toast? | Published January 7, 2026 | Read Full Story by Julia Park

The deck is full of people enjoying lunch and the Friday sunshine at Tides Tavern in Gig Harbor, Wash., on Sept. 8, 2023. By Pete Caster

NO. 4: ICONIC WATERFRONT RESTAURANT IN PIERCE COUNTY IS BEING SOLD, OWNERS CONFIRM

The owner of the Tides Tavern handed over the reins to Anthony’s Restaurants, marking a new era for the iconic Gig Harbor restaurant while retaining its name, chef and management staff. | Published January 14, 2026 | Read Full Story by Julia Park

The Gig Harbor Civic Center and City Hall in Gig Harbor, Washington, on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024.

NO. 5: GIG HARBOR APPROVES SEWER SERVICE TO NEW APARTMENT COMPLEX. PROJECT UNDER REVIEW

The Gig Harbor City Council approved a request from Rush Development to increase city sewer service for a planned multifamily development north of the city, during a recent council meeting. | Published January 18, 2026 | Read Full Story by Julia Park

Heritage Distilling Co. previously served whiskey and cocktails in their tasting room at 3118 Harborview Dr. in Gig Harbor, Wash., pictured Thursday, March 27, 2025. The company closed all of their tasting rooms at the end of 2025. By Julia Park

NO. 6: HERE'S WHAT IS REPLACING HERITAGE DISTILLING IN DOWNTOWN GIG HARBOR

A new business will take over the piece of downtown Gig Harbor real-estate formerly occupied by Heritage Distilling Co. | Published January 19, 2026 | Read Full Story by Julia Park

The proposed location of the Commercial Fishing Homeport, which would allow 17 commercial fishing vessels to dock, on Thursday, June 26, 2025, in Gig Harbor, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 7: MAJOR WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT IN GIG HARBOR WILL BE READY THIS YEAR, CITY SAYS

Is this the year that Gig Harbor’s long-awaited commercial fishing dock becomes a reality? | Published January 30, 2026 | Read Full Story by Julia Park

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