While rumors of the sale have been swirling around the neighborhood for months, the rumors of current owner, Jim Higgins, opening a new spot have been around for longer.

From his Facebook page:

“I’ve got a few ideas for new concepts that I’ve been kicking around. Tacoma has tons of potential (and available spaces) right now
Straight away I’m just gonna take a couple months and do some fun stuff, but eventually I’ll probably (more likely than not) do something similar.”

PSP has great pizza and an always entertaining atmosphere, what would you like to see change? Or change nothing at all?

Exterior shots will be filmed along St. Helen’s Ave. between S. 7^th Street and Opera Alley, along S. 7^th Street between St. Helen’s Ave & Broadway and along Opera Alley. A Picture car will drive down the streets while a camera car follows filming the action.

I don’t have info if this will be a regional or national TV commercial but it appears Lodestar Films, based in Hollywood, CA has filmed some national TV commercials for Honda & Acura.

What businesses will we see in the commercial? Puget Sound Pizza? The Mix? Over the Moon Cafe? We will have to wait and see.

I have not heard what McMenamins plans to do with the space that was slated for the hotel in the Elks building or if the cost to construct the city-owned garage will change in the mixed-use building due to it having  to support more floors.

In late February the City of Tacoma, Grace Pleasants & Rick Moses announced that GLY Construction Co. of Bellevue and Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects of Seattle will be the design-build team for the mixed-use project.

TNT Article: Tacoma’s Elks Project Takes Big Step

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.

The Circus Starring Britney Spears

April 9th 8:00pm

The Tacoma Dome

Britney Spears – The After Party

April 9th 8:00pm- 2:00am

The Mix

635 St Helens Ave.

Tacoma, WA 98402

I am also working on a few other neighborhood restaurant rumors, so stay tuned!

Here are some of the ameneties listed in the rental ad:

Amenities:

Views of Mt. Rainier, Downtown Tacoma, & Tacoma’s Harbor
Washer/Dryer in each unit
Stainless Steel Kitchen Appliances
Luxury Finishes
Storage Units
Fitness Center
Infrared Sauna
Billiard Room w/ Flat Screen TV, Bar, & Card Table
Private Wine Cellar
Concierge Service
Secured/Garage Parking
Courtyard w/ Gas Barbecue
Upscale Restaurant/lounge Attached
Cat or Dog Under 25lbs. Accepted

For more information call – 253.722.2724