Developers Ask - "What do you want Gig Harbor?"
Feedback on retail, restaurant and other new development needed
Rarely a day goes by that I don’t hear someone say “I wish Gig Harbor had a (blank) store”. Although our community is not so little anymore it does still seem to be missing a few retail and dining options which would fill in the blanks. Given that our tax rate is lower in Gig Harbor than in Tacoma, and that our wish is to keep our residents shopping local, pinpointing the missing links might help local developers.
Kohl’s Department Store has broken ground in the new Safeway Shopping Center, and this is an exciting development for Gig Harbor. The new Kohl’s, officially a department store, is unlike anything else Gig Harbor has yet seen. It is a game-changer.
I have recently had conversations with local developers and leasing agents who are working towards getting that perfect fit for Gig Harbor with additional new retail and restaurants. As a city employee, I’m often aware of what new stores are coming to the harbor, but rarely in a position to announce that information until developers say “go”. But this time, developers are looking to me to help ask the question of you our residents “what do you want?”
In preparation for writing this piece, I randomly asked a dozen locals to tell me what they feel is missing in the harbor for retail and restaurant. The answers and input I received was thoughtful, passionate and in some cases, surprising. Here’s what I heard;
Downtown – a kitchen supply store, a grocery store, craft store, Dukes Restaurant, boutique hotel (McMenamins?) and businesses that stay open later.
Uptown and All-Around Town – a craft supply store, a paper store, a fabric store, restaurants with affordable and fun atmosphere and bar, a Pizza & Pipes style restaurant for food and entertainment, Nordstrom Rack, Home Goods, Stein Mart, Kirkland’s, Crate & Barrel or Pottery Barn. A cupcake store, a party supply store, a bowling alley, Chick fila, Boca De Beppo, organic food store, REI, Lulu Lemon, Lush, shoe repair and a Mandolin Coffee.
One respondent felt strongly that we need a community center that was not membership based where kids and families could enjoy bowling, swimming and wave pool and perhaps pizza too. She also suggested a sports complex with lighted fields, covered basketball courts, batting cage and more. A bowling alley came up multiple times.
Another respondent promoted the idea of a performing arts center, conference or convention center or indoor event center.
That is what we heard, by only asking a hand full of people. ..so what do you want in Gig Harbor? Send me your thoughts and realistic ideas and I will share them. Keeping in mind what we already have, our city’s square footage restrictions and our communities desire to retain our identity. This is obviously an unofficial poll, but it could prove helpful to the developers already working in the community.
I’m certainly aware that many people don’t want anything more in Gig Harbor and I expect to hear from some of you too. I welcome that input and will also share it with the developers. Just keep it civil, clean and nice. Because, we are, after all, Gig Harbor (named one of the best small towns in America by Smithsonian Magazine)!
Contact me at lundl@cityofgigharbor.net (photos copywrite Jim Nelson jim@jnels.org)
Comments
Angela Mills | Apr. 18, 2012 at 12:48pm
Get rid of the other yogurt and ice cream shops and bring in Cold Stone. It is hands down the best option and they offer yogurt and low fat options.
I second needing a non-membership necessary community club with bowling, swimming, ZUMBA, community dances, affordible childcare, enrichment programs, etc.
A pastry shop would be amazing, especially if was open past 9pm.
Monique Harrington | Apr. 18, 2012 at 12:51pm
I would love to have a local Trader Joes!
Nichola | Apr. 18, 2012 at 1:28pm
We have a boutique hotel Downtown, The Maritime Inn. We need a craft store and a steak house type restaurant.
Jeanie Cullip | Apr. 19, 2012 at 9:33am
This question I often ponder. I think a community center similar to what fox island has would be fabulous!
Anon | Apr. 19, 2012 at 9:39am
I second the ideas of craft store and fabric store. Also the performing arts center and non-membership community center.
Monica | Apr. 19, 2012 at 9:43am
We need an organic grocery store. It's very frustrating to have to go to several grocery stores to just finish a grocery trip.
Becky | Apr. 19, 2012 at 11:32am
I second and third the craft store. Just finding ribbon a few weeks ago made a trip to Tacoma necessary. A community center would be great. Bowling would be a fantastic option, and a nice, family dinner restaurant. And I'd add a TJ Maxx or Ross.
laura | Apr. 19, 2012 at 11:33am
I would like to see Home Goods come to Gig Harbor. As a model home interior designer, we use Home Goods for all our projects in Chicago, Las Vegas, and California. While Stein Mart and Kirkland have a large inventory, their furniture and accessories are very design specific. Home Goods has something for everyone's design and decorating taste. I also vote for Whole Foods. Their organic and homeopathic items are abundant and their deli and bakery are excellent. I would like to see a Tapas restaurant in Gig Harbor. We recently dined at Phoenicia in West Seattle and commented that Gig Harbor would do well with a similar restaurant. Finally, a kitchen store the likes of William-Sonoma or Crate and Barrel would be a welcome addition. It would be nice if we didn't have to drive to University Village or Bellevue for these stores.
Ben | Apr. 19, 2012 at 11:50am
Lose the RV dealership, Kohl's, and Sleep Country USA. Introduce more destination stores, such as Whole Foods Market, Trader Joes (if they will ever agree), and outdoor hobby shops that can make our beautiful areas more accessible.
We don't need to turn Gig Harbor into Tacoma-Junior. Driving over the bridge for our department store needs is not a big deal.
Angie | Apr. 19, 2012 at 9:04pm
Definitely a fabric/craft store! TJ Maxx, Gordmans or Home Goods. Taco Bell and Wendy's!
Anon | May. 1, 2012 at 4:53pm
I agree that a Whole Foods Market, or Metropolitan Market would be welcome. I know we may not be able to accommodate the square footage requirements downtown, but a Williams Sonoma and a Pottery Barn would be perfect in Uptown. We need an upscale men's clothing store, as well.
Wanda | May. 1, 2012 at 5:24pm
For years, we've been hearing rumors that a restaurant like Red Robin would be going in near Costco but all we have are small take out restaurants. A casual-type restaurant for all ages and one that stays open until 11 pm would be great.
Nanci | May. 1, 2012 at 5:50pm
I was a little surprised by the list and/or business suggestions people gave you because many of them suggested businesses that we already have. For example a paper store, we have one on Kimball, a kitchen shop (we have two), and organic grocery store, (we have two Harbor Greens and the health food store on Harborview), community center/ball fields etc. (we have a huge YMCA with a pool, a beautiful Boys and Girls club and all kinds of new ball fields up at Schmel and a high school with a swimming pool open to the public), Taco Bell, (we have three Mexican restaurants and a fast food Mexican which I think is Taco Del Mar) and the duplicates go on.
Why not try for something We Don't Have, like a Performing Arts Center.
Our many music groups, acting companies, art shows and guest musicians are squeezed into different facilities all of town which are most the time two small, to sterile, have horrible acoustics and most of the time just not right for the event. A good performing arts center pulls all of a communities "arts" together and becomes a place of pride for the community the same as our great Harbor History Museum.
We have a beautiful "Up Town" facility, so why not try for a few more good family restaurants and destination shopping of the same caliber, like Dukes and other "Up Town" type shopping like Christopher and Banks, Pottery Barn and TJ Max/Home Goods. We need some big draw names but not huge box stores.
Personally what takes me over the bridge is a good fabric/crafts store for example a JoAnn's type store, which seems to be the only game in any town. Having to go over the bridge for ribbon or beads or a sewing pattern is sad. Michaels will be wonderful here but it does not fulfill the need that JoAnn's does. Our quilt shop is nice but very, very limited and specialized.
The second thing that takes me over the bridge is a full service Fred Meyer type store with all of it's features, great coupons, great sales, senior discounts, home goods (even furniture), usually a very good garden nursery, clothing for the Whole Family, not just 25 and below, and all at very competitive pricing. My gosh, our one "full service similar type store REALLY needs some competition in Gig Harbor and Kohl's does not entirely fill the bill but Kohl's will be a wonderful addition.
Well Thanks for listening.
Erin | May. 1, 2012 at 5:59pm
I can tell you what we DON'T need. We DON'T need another nail &/or hair salon, teriyaki or mexican restaurant,and no more hardware stores. We don't need any more consignment clothing shops, home decor shops, or wine shops. (seriously...how many do we really need?!) I think that a fabric/craft store is a nice idea, but I don't think it would thrive here when we have one in Port Orchard and several in Tacoma. Perhaps one of the hardware stores or department stores (i.e. Target) could help fill this 'need' by expanding their offerings of these things. I like what others are saying about a community center. It would be nice if the center offered later night activities for teens so that they can quit hanging out in the grocery store parking lots ;). I also like the idea of a steakhouse/diner (Red Robin/Applebee's/IHOP) type restaurant. A Pho' place would be a nice addition as well. I would love to see something DIFFERENT come in. We keep getting more of the same. Step out of the box people... it's fun!!! :D
PS. I agree with Nanci above, we have specialty grocers, a "full service Fred Meyer type store" would be nice.
Dianna | May. 1, 2012 at 6:30pm
A preforming arts center with capacity and state-of-the-art technology where the community could experience culture, could enjoy our local gifted musical and acting talents, and a place that would attract diverse outside performers as well.
Nancy | May. 2, 2012 at 1:10am
I would love to have the following shopping establishments in Gig Harbor: Tully's Drive-through, HomeGoods at the former Borders building, Thriftway like the one -in West Seattle, Korean BBQ buffet with table-top grills (reference Palace BBQ Buffet in Sunnyvale, CA), Wendy's and shop or woodworking school (because so many of us are doing DIY projects and need to learn how to do things the right way).
Please no other big-box stores. We can go to Tacoma, Port Orchard, Bremerton or Silverdale for those (even further than that). Also, there are currently no HomeGoods in WA state, but in August, there will be 2 opening - one in Lynnwood and one in Kent or Puyallup. Still far away. If we get a HomeGoods in Gig Harbor, that will attract people to come over the bridge or down from Kitsap County. Right now them closest HG is on Portland. Thanks.
Sharon Nell | May. 2, 2012 at 8:57am
I forever wish there was a full service Fred Meyer, I love their store in University Place, good sales, coupons,food, clothes, shoes, yarn, plants, hardware, . Disappointed to hear they were not coming to Gig Harbor. How about a Hobby Lobby Store? My husband wants a JACK IN THE BOX Restaurant.
Evy McLeod | May. 3, 2012 at 11:48am
The Gig Harbor north area needs a good family restaurant.
KJ | Jun. 4, 2012 at 1:13pm
HOMEGOODS!
Laura | Jun. 16, 2012 at 12:16am
Coming from California and Southern Nevada, I can tell you that what we are missing is FOOD! I would love to have any of the following restaurants come in to GH...
Rubio's Baja Grill, Baja Fresh, PF Changs, Fazoli's (drive-thru Italian food that tastes great!), Pick-up Stix, El Polo Loco, Carrabba's, Carino's, The Pita Pit, Gandolfo's Deli, La Salsa, Macaroni Grill, Fatburger, Souplantation or Sweet Tomatoes --all you can eat soup and salad bars-- Someone brings this in and they will make money hand over fist. It wouldn't hurt to have an IHOP or Denny's, either. I don't think people in Gig Harbor realize just how bad the food choices are. All we have is teriyaki, mexican food and pathetic fast food choices. There is a teriyaki restaurant on every corner. I think there are more teriyaki establishments than there are coffee stands! Please someone, bring in some food!
Paige | Jul. 2, 2012 at 11:50am
PHO PHO PHO!!!!
Katie | Aug. 14, 2012 at 2:49pm
We have five Mexican restaurants. One of them should be Modern Mex along the lines of Sonrisa in University Village. Yum! We do have some good ethnic restaurants like LeLe's and Il Lucano.
For the people wishing for a full-size Fred Meyer, there's one up the road in Port Orchard so you don't have to cross the bridge.
Don't think it's realistic to expect a Trader Joe's or Whole Foods market in a town the size of Gig Harbor but a Metropolitan Market type store is long overdue here.
And many of us miss Borders.
Yes, North Gig Harbor does need a family restaurant. Olive Garden would be nice.
Bed, Bath and Beyond so we wouldn't have to go to Auburn or Lakewood.
Hannah | Aug. 30, 2012 at 8:57am
I believe if we are taking adding any more fast food joints I believe we should go with Taco Bell, I know many who really want it and also have heard rumors of gig harbor soon getting one! Also the idea of something for kids to do, something like bowling would be outstanding! And once you think about it, it doesn't take up too much room! With clothing I believe we should bring in either a TJ Maxx or Nordroms Rack! A lot of affordable clothing for both genders of teens and adults!!
sam shumaker | Sep. 18, 2012 at 10:33pm
Applebees is coming to the Safeway complex.
JC | Sep. 18, 2012 at 11:07pm
Living in Fl. looking for a 2nd home, I can tell you what draws business in that area.
Homegoods, TJMaxx and to a lesser degree Ross & Steinmart. Our Barnes and Noble and Whole Foods Market are always busy. Definitely need more restaurants especially ones with a salad bar option such as Sweet Tomatoes, Ruby Tuesdays or the best, Golden Corral. Applebees and larger sports bar types are always busy. Any one of these should fit nicely into the terrain and bring in consistent revenue. Hope this helps!
Doug Lewis | Sep. 26, 2012 at 2:25pm
With all the wonderful stores comes congestion of the automobile. I would like to see a viable network of bicycle lanes throught the community. Aside from the walking running biking Cushman Trail there is no, zero, participation from the Gig Harbor Government towards the convenience of cyclists. The downtown transit if the most dangerous anywhere. There are no bicycle racks in the city. There needs to be some leadership here. Gig Harbor has done marvelous things recently with additional parks, piers, etc. That is to be commended. It is obvious there is money to be spent.
Bob | Oct. 13, 2012 at 8:15pm
A real farmers market ...
not an arts and crafts show like we currently have and call it a farmers market. We want one where real local farmers sell their homegrown goods.. A year-round one would be nice like Olympia's.
Additionally, I know it is a longshot but how about a Cracker Barrel restaurant? Now, we're talkin'!!!
Lisa | Dec. 22, 2012 at 7:26pm
I am an artist and interested in opening up an Art school and education center, that has art supplies, framing and a gallery all in one! Looking for interested like minded people.
Sherry | Jan. 1, 2013 at 9:08pm
My husband and I would really like to see more Restaurants like a nice steak House or even a Olive Garden would be nice,a Family Pizza Hut etc. lets think outside the box and keep our Business in the Harbor and not have to travel over the Bridge, we would be opening the doors to more jobs, as well for our kids who are now no longer in school!
3kids4sail | Jan. 11, 2013 at 5:51pm
My husband and I would love to see an Olive Garden for some variety of restaurants and a Trader Joe's, and yes I would have to agree with Bob (Oct 13) it would really be nice to get a Cracker Barrel Restaurant/Store maybe we could have their first location in the West Coast. Another great shopping store is the Christmas Tree Shops that are located in the New England area and offer lots of Nautical and household goods at a reasonable price, and would be another first in the West Coast. I am very happy to see that our little town is growing and snubbing those who thought Gig Harbor would have no other choice but to pay the toll in order to get goods and services in Tacoma--we showed them! I am also very happy to see that the tasteful facades of the businesses going up have been well thought out to blend in and look appealing rather than appalling.
Doug | Jan. 21, 2013 at 8:27pm
I would love to see a Pho place
Trixie | Feb. 3, 2013 at 9:58am
Gig Harbor is very lacking in the food department. We have one Chinese restaurant now, and i you don't like their particular style (which I don't,) you have nothing. Too much teriyaki, too many wine stores/bars and corporate coffee places.
GH could not sustain a yarn or bead store, and the little paper/art store "Cecil & Bird" was the best store this town ever had, but they closed, too. Sounds like, from what I see in the suggestions above, that people really want chain and corporate businesses. We do have a local cupcake shop, two local kitchen stores, and a variety of local restaurants. But truly, I think that people are looking for chain restaurants, because frankly they like them.
What GH really needs is a restaurant like Sherri's or iHop, something that stays open past 8pm, and is just a simple place to take the family or grab a piece of pie. We need more breakfast options for the weekend. Could use a real fabric store. The Quilt store is great, but not for regular sewers. We desperately need a real bakery, not a grocery store bakery, and a real deli. Oh, and the one thing that was so disappointing, was that someone proposed to bring a bowling alley suitable for families, I think it was retro-themed, but it never came to fruition.
We could also use a grocery store downtown. Someone should lease that space by the 7 Seas Brewery on Judson, and open a sandwich shop/deli that stays open the same hours as 7 Seas. Frankly, that place is packed all the time!
kandy | Feb. 21, 2013 at 5:56am
Hello my name is kandy,
Im not sure how i came upon this great comment/debate site on gig harbor but im sure glad i did.I read great ideas,i read bad ideas,& read alot of the same ideas.So iam only here to state my own opinion and ideas.Ok so i first need to say i really do like the new harbor,its more lively,and full filled.I do hope no one ever..Ever puts a bunch of bar scences around,we so dont need that,i think gig harbor should only stick to places in downtown area like el publetos,little lively community type bars,music,karaoke,food fun.Gig harbor would ruin if it had a "6th ave" um hopefully most of u get what i mean.Now i must chat about the growing values near safeway,i have my likes and dislikes.I like the new shops like khols,and micheals,but i dislike that all around these big shops are the little dress shops,sorry but maybe i opinions those should be around the downtown parts of gig harbor.Next i really disliked the idea of removing the barnes n noble hum bad move. i think it was a great place to shop other then clothes and also had a relaxing scene.Im sure it gave a postive place to enjoy,learn,and study for young teens n young adults.Ice cream...well only one place is good,and as far as needing a goodie shop around eachorner,um come on no need for that..I like i love the coming soon applebees oh sweet move whom ever battled that great idea "secret is ive meet her"great job .I think the town will benefit greatly with a new popular resturaunt.FOod food food good.i do think that area is complete with food options.Now i only see a problem i see not much but a movie theater for kids n teens since they had to take the book store.If your a parent im sure u know that us parents dont always have alot of money so all the shops n such well are not really the kid n teen type stuff,im sure these kids are screaming for more places to hangout n feel free n have fun but not trouble some.Heres what i think and its an idea that probably rarely gets herd of but my idea would be to have a go cart racing area yet more freely,it wouldnt be a place that u go riding one already there but ur able to bring your go cart from home "rules n regulations would take place",maybe there could be 2 seperate tracks one for the younger/toddler "Go hotwheels"..each track would have safe railings.There could be different leagues/clubs or programs maybe posted to inspire childern to get into kool fun activities ..Ithink it should be safely watched yet not over watched where some employee is always yelling out n being too strict.Mainly just a first entery kiosk person who u would pay 5 bucks for a session like 1:00-3:00/3:00-5:00-what the heck all day.or could be to where it was like a skatepark then good too but then it would only spend not gain.Point blank its something way different,and something 0-5 bucks.Oh how i wished i were a millionare and i owned my own town,anyway im thinkin im writing too much,yet it would be awsome to at least have something like that or hey ill settle for an archade but was tryin for ideas that are rarly heard of.whom ever had a chance to read this thanx for ur time,feel free to stae whatever even if u hate the idea id love to see opinions.I also know my writing and spelling isnt all too great but hopefully it understood.thanx yallz
kandy.
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