Grocery store and cafe in downtown Gig Harbor closes suddenly after 8 years in business
The owners of the Harbor General Store announced its sudden closure Monday morning.
The store closed its doors for good Sunday, March 5. A social media announcement followed the next morning.
“The last few years, we have been so fortunate for the support of our staff, our community, and our network of local makers,” owners Stephanie and Coby Sagle wrote. “From our early days in downtown Gig Harbor, we have seen the neighborhood and city go through many changes and persevere through tough times. At the end of this run, we are looking back fondly on the time we’ve spent and the investment we have made. We are sad to say goodbye to our staff and our customers. The time has come for our family to spend more time together, slow down our pace of life and transition into another adventure.”
The Sagles opened the store in 2015 after they saw a need for a closer grocery store for downtown residents and incoming boaters, Stephanie Sagle previously told the Gateway.
The downtown QFC closed a few years before.
Visitors could grab a sandwich from the cafe or some groceries from the store, which was in a white and blue building just up the street from the waterfront.
The store also had goods from local vendors, such as Wild Whimsy Plant Co., D’Lectable Desserts and STUDIO 17.
“You will be deeply missed,” Wild Whimsy’s owner posted on Instagram Monday. “The Harbor will never be the same. Thank you so much for being such a huge part of my small business journey. The Harbor General Store is the reason Wild Whimsy has a name here in the Harbor.”
The store also provided appetizer items for guests on Gig Harbor Gondola boat rides.
During the store’s first year of business, it offered free Thanksgiving meals.
Many residents commented on the announcement Monday, shocked to hear the news.
“Thank you for having such a great place for all of us to enjoy downtown,” Nic Yamashiro wrote. “No one will have an acai bowl as good!”
“Sorry to hear this. You’ve been such a good asset to our community,” Jeannie O’Brien wrote. “Thank you for all you’ve done. Will miss you.”
“On a personal and business level I’m incredibly sad,” Patti Nord Michelsen wrote. “Love what you and your store brought to the harbor. You’ll be missed!”
This story was originally published March 6, 2023 at 2:24 PM.
