Winco Foods was founded in 1967 in Boise, Idaho. It is known for affordable prices and giving its employees an ownership stake in the company. This will be the first Tacoma store for Winco and  the 4th in the South Sound with others being in Federal Way, Puyallup and Sumner. A store in Lacey, WA is also in the works.

I will post more information on an opening date when I get it.

It is starting to look like nightlife is taking another try in this neighborhood that at one time use to house Destiny’s, The Drake, Club Detour & 7 Cities.

Now we will have Surreal Ultra Lounge, The Matador, Paddy Coyne’s, Meconi’s, Big Whisky, Hell’s Kitchen & The Firwood (???).

You can apply at Big Whisky by submitting your resume to BigWhiskySaloon@gmail.com

Q&A with the owners after the jump:

Here is the juicy Q&A with the owners Danielle and Mike Kartes:

Q: How did you get the name Minoela? What does it mean?

A: Minoela is my variation of the word mineola. It is a type of orange! I wanted something a bit easier for people to say! This very special type of Tangelo orange is bright, juicy, and fresh. When I think of citrus it just makes me happy.  It’s exactly the kind of place we aim to be. Bright, welcoming, and fresh.

Q: Has the lease been finalized?

A: Hahaha Yes!

Q: In our last correspondence you said your new establishment will be a Bistro Wine House. Will you sell wine for off-site consumption as well as on-site?

A: On-site and off-site as well. I want our patrons to be able to pick up a few fabulous bottles they have tried at our wine house and perhaps bring them to a party or stop on their way home from work to relax at home for the evening.

Q: What kind of food do you plan to serve and at what price points?

A: We want to support local organic sustainable business, so we aim for fresh season appetizers and meals, and fresh breads.  Not to heavy but defiantly not leaving you wanting more.  Desserts are bing in my book so we will have THE best in homemade cakes, cookies and ooey gooey goodness.  Our price points will be fair.  In this economy we want to keep everything on the menu under 11 bucks! With a great Happy Hour!!! Happy hours drive the restaurant biz these days.

Q: Many people are familiar with layout of the former One Heart Cafe, will you make any changes to the interior layout?

A: You will just have to wait and see.. wink wink. It’s going to be just beautiful.

Q:  What look are you going for in the interior of the space?

A:  Vintage meets comfortable. We want a new fresh approach to the average wine bar.  We want people to fee comfy and happy while in Minoela, so you won’t see any super bright colors or depressing artwork.

Q: What hours do you think you will be open?

A: Thursday through Sunday as of right now. Depending on business we will add the other three days of the week as well.

Q: Is this your first venture into the restaurant business?

A: Yes and no.  I have been wrapped up in the restaurant biz for a few years and it is definitely not my first business project but it will be the first wine house/bistro.

Q:  And lastly, tell me more about your husband and yourself?

A:  I like the color green and I love cheese.  I’m not a fan of itchy sweaters and I like the ocean. Home grown tomatos taste better than store bought.  I like wood paneled jeeps though I don’t own one!

I am a makeup artist and I primarily have worked in LA and Seattle but Tacoma/Puyallup is my home and where I have lived my entire life.  We decided it’s time to open this place I have been thinking about for years! My husband is a writer. We are the best of friends.  We are very involved in the community and we want a place that gives back.  We hope to supprot the local economy by creating jobs and getting as many of our supplies from other locals.

Well there you have it!  Look for Minoela to open soon at 604 Fawcett Ave.

I am told by the man himself Emerson Robbins (yes he sounds the same on the phone as in the commercials)  that E.E. Robbins is a local family owned business. They don’t do the sales scheme like other jewelry stores, you know the 40% off 3 days a week, 25% off 3 days a week, and regular price one day a week. Every manager of the store becomes a partner in ownership. Two of the managers are buyers for the company and every year they go overseas to hand pick their diamonds.

E. E. Robbins also has store in Belltown and Bellevue.

E.E. Robbins

2128 South 37th Street

Tacoma, WA 98409