Home Care In Tacoma, WA

Nearly five years after committing to Tacoma, Flatstick Pub — where guests can eat pizza and drink Washington-made beer while playing mini golf and other games like the trademarked Duffleboard — will open downtown.

The Seattle-area restaurant and entertainment brand hopes for a late 2024 debut at 809 Pacific Ave., which the company bought last summer for $1.1 million, according to Pierce County property records.

“We’re really excited about Tacoma,” co-owner Andy Largent told The News Tribune in a phone call this week. “That’s why I think we’ve kind of continued to push to make this happen. Every week we’re getting asked? ‘When’s Tacoma opening?’”

Like its six other locations, the Tacoma Flatstick will pack the draft list exclusively with independent Washington breweries and wineries. The taps also pour cocktails like the Birdie Juice with gin, orange, pineapple and grapefruit and a customizable margarita. Nonalcoholic options range from Rachel’s Ginger Beer to Diamond Knot root beer.

To nosh, the kitchen will bake 14-inch, brick-oven pizzas ($17-$26), such as a double-pepperoni with mozzarella and pecorino and The Fade with garlic confit, prosciutto, spinach and three types of cheese. Daily slices include cheese, pepperoni and a monthly flavor. Snacks feature a Bavarian pretzel, wings, salads and churros.

Ethan Stowell Restaurants continues to consult on the food menus at all Flatstick Pubs.

In addition to a nine-hole mini-golf course, other games could entail Duffleboard, a golf-esque game played with a signature putter but on a waist-high, shuffleboard-like table; Pockets, reminiscent of pool; and Wickets, sort of like cricket on a table.

On the first go-around in 2019, brothers Andy and Sam Largent, with Sam’s former spouse Jenny Largent, had leased the 12,000-square-foot, 1920s-era building. It needed — and still needs — “a whole lot of work” including a new roof, said Andy Largent, but construction, luckily, had not yet begun when the pandemic upended their plans.

They had announced a forthcoming Bellingham Flatstick at the same time. It, too, was delayed but opened in 2021. Asked about the holdup in Tacoma, Largent replied that they subsequently had “some struggles” with their then-landlord. They reached “a point that there wasn’t a way to move forward with us being the tenant,” he said, noting challenges with “following through.”

“We really believed in the project,” he continued. “We are excited about that location and being on that block.”

47 North Development bought the Tacoma property in 2017 from longtime owners Danny and Rosanne Calvin. Their family operated Learning Sprout Toy there for 21 years. (Crews recently stripped the yellow-and-green signage and the distinctive awning.) They purchased it from Dorothy Ghilarducci, whose family name had adorned the facade since the 1960s. Ghilarducci’s Florists, established 1903, replaced Lincoln Auto Electric Co., according to records at the Tacoma Public Library’s Northwest Room. Originally, it was “an award-winning brick-and-tile garage designed by local architect Silas E. Nelsen.”

The new owners intend to retain historic elements where possible, said Largent. Seattle’s Atelier Dome Architecture and Wilcox Construction will manage the design and buildout, Puget Sound Business Journal reported.

“The character of the building is really special and obviously has a lot of history,” he said, which means the main brick walls and wooden ceiling beams will stick around. But it’s “in pretty rough shape.”

Each Flatstick is unique, he added, from the original in Kirkland, opened in 2014, to the 2022 addition in Redmond. “The building itself will be highlighted in Tacoma,” with a goal of “restoring the storefront back to its original condition.”

Like the others, the Tacoma location will have ample space for parties, whether a corporate event or a birthday — it’s the only two-story outpost and the only one where they also own the building.

“The main focus is on the games, the great atmosphere, and people having fun and having a good time,” said Largent. “We’re excited to hopefully, finally make this project happen.”

They anticipate having 20 to 25 employees.

? 809 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, flatstickpub.com

? Details: Seattle-area pub chain opening Tacoma location; 21+ with games, pizza and Washington beer

? Target Opening: late 2024

This story was originally published March 21, 2024, 5:30 AM.

253-597-8270

Kristine Sherred joined The News Tribune in December 2019, following a decade in Chicago where she worked for restaurants, a liquor wholesaler, a culinary bookstore and an award-winning food journalist. She previously covered the business for Industry Dive and William Reed. Find her on Instagram @kcsherred.

The end of a Tacoma-based kitchen cabinet/countertop manufacturer and sales operation left both workers and customers surprised and stunned by the sudden closure.

Employees with Founders Choice Cabinets + Countertops received notice March 7 that the business was shutting down immediately.

No formal public announcement has been made, other than a private Facebook page where former employees have gathered.

The company’s main site — a manufacturing facility — is at 6002 E. McKinley Ave., Tacoma. Other locations included showrooms in Tumwater and Fircrest area. For a time it also had a showroom on South Tacoma Way. The company employed more than 70 workers.

Founders Choice Inc., dates to January 2006, according to business license information on file with the City of Tacoma.

The company’s McKinley Avenue site grew with the addition of a storage warehouse in 2021, according to county property records.

Kristin Jones, accounts receivable manager and assistant office manager for Founders Choice, confirmed the shutdown with The News Tribune this week.

David Sizemore, president and CEO of the company, did not respond to News Tribune requests for comment. Calls to the number attached to the company’s LLC went directly to an automated answering system.

Jones directed customers with questions to email [email protected].

The company’s Facebook page has been taken down, and its website is no longer accessible to the public.

Annika Hargreaves of Tacoma told The News Tribune this week that she had been working with a Founders Choice designer on a home project “up until March 6.”

She wrote, “We were exchanging e-mails and I was waiting for a price quote when she fell silent. I reached out the next week via e-mail and received a reply from their operations administrator that Founder’s Choice was no longer in business as of Thursday March 7.”

Hargreaves said she was “recommended to use this company a few years ago by a designer who mentioned the cabinets are made in Tacoma and are very well made.”

She added that the closing came as a surprise, “based on having just attended an event at their showroom on February 24.”

Hargreaves moved on after learning of the closure.

“We are working on sourcing a new cabinet maker. It feels like taking a few steps backward as we were ready to order,” she wrote.

Hargreaves was not alone in her surprise over the closure.

Former employees told The News Tribune the only reason they had heard for the closure was that the owner wanted to retire and that “he was done.”

Michelle Bieda, accounting and office manager for Woodinville-based Lungren Homes, told The News Tribune via email in response to questions, “We had a great relationship with Founders Choice and are sorry they are closing shop.”

She added that the company ”has agreed to complete all orders in process, which shows the continued commitment to their customers.”

Not everyone was as assured.

An Olympia-area general contractor reached by The News Tribune on Thursday said he was pondering legal steps over a still-uncompleted order.

Is Tacoma a wine town? It’s definitely starting to feel that way, as several wineries have recently chosen Tacoma over other Puget Sound cities for their first locations or expansions.

With two local wine bars and bottle shops, including the venerable Tacoma Wine Merchants, four of them have banded together to create the first Tacoma Wine Passport in honor of Washington Wine Month, a biannual celebration of the state’s more than 1,000 wineries. Typically, the spring event ties into the popular Taste Washington event in Seattle, featuring grand tastings and ticketed dinners.

Through April 14, visit these businesses for a chance to win cool wine-related prizes, including free tastings with the winemaker, gift cards and more.

How does it work?

Pick up your passport card at any of the participating shops. You also can pick one up at Central Co-op on Pearl, which offers a more compelling wine selection than most area grocery stores.

At each location, show your card and get a stamp — no purchase necessary, although what a missed opportunity to not relax with a glass or a flight while you’re there!

Every stamp acts as a raffle ticket: Drop off your passport at any of the seven businesses by mid-April. Then await a potential phone call or email about your winnings.

The passport idea started with AnnaLee Zenkner, general manager at the new-last-year Water from Wine tasting room near the University of Washington Tacoma. The nonprofit winery is offering a wine and chocolate tasting for four people in the raffle.

Andrea Dahlman, co-owner of Dahlman Cellars with her husband and winemaker Jim, said the event was a way for Tacoma’s wine pros to draw attention to what’s happening right here. You don’t need to drive all the way to Woodinville, where the Woodinville Wine Pass allows, for instance, club members at one winery to enjoy club perks at another.

Dahlman was raised in Tacoma, and the couple recently settled into an apartment just a few blocks from their Stadium District tasting room that opened in 2022.

“There are wine drinkers here,” she said in a phone call about the inaugural passport promotion.

The Dahlmans and the owners of other wineries that decided on Tacoma (including Browne Family Vineyards, which has a Proctor District outpost but is not involved in this event) also knew they had club members here. There is also room to grow, compared to the already quite dense wine city of Woodinville, home to more than 120 winery tasting rooms, or Walla Walla, nearer to most of Washington’s vineyards.

She noted the recent addition of Structure Cellars’ Tacoma tasting room on the edge of downtown, less than a 15-minute walk from their shop.

Other participants include Ebony and Ivory Coffee, the expansive cafe with espresso, wine and beer on the ground floor of the renovated Tacoma Centre. There guests can sample On Blended Knee Winery, based in Woodinville but an exclusive partner of the cafe.

From Tacoma Wine Merchants in Old Town, you could snag a $100 gift card. The Buried Bottle downtown, in the same building as Fujiya Japanese Restaurant on Broadway, is also one of the passport stops.

Importantly, Dahlman said, “We didn’t want it to cost people anything. You can come to any location, pick up a passport and get a stamp.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Water from Wine (@waterfromwine)

? March 11-April 14 at select locations, washingtonwine.org/event/taste-wa-wine-month-tacoma-wine-passport

? Water from Wine, 1704 Pacific Ave., waterfromwine.org

? Ebony & Ivory (with OBK Winery), 1145 Broadway, ebonyandivorycoffee.com

? The Buried Bottle, 1130 Broadway, buriedbottlewine.com

? Structure Cellars, 632 St. Helens Ave., structurewines.com

? Dahlman Cellars, 113 N. Tacoma Ave., dahlmancellars.com

? Tacoma Wine Merchants, 2112 N. 30th St., tacomawinemerchants.com

? Central Co-op, 4502 N. Pearl St., centralcoop.coop

Reporter’s Note: This story has been updated to reflect that the Spring 2024 Tacoma Wine Passport will run through April 14.

This story was originally published March 22, 2024, 12:00 PM.

What is the best internet provider in Tacoma?

Quantum Fiber is the best internet service provider in Tacoma. It’s the only fiber provider in the city, giving you symmetrical upload and download speeds -- essential for remote workers or online gamers. Quantum Fiber also has some of the lowest prices in Tacoma, and it guarantees they’ll never increase.

Xfinity has the cheapest internet plans in Tacoma, starting at just $20 monthly. Prices increase on all plans after a year or two, but you’ll find this with many internet providers. Lightcurve is the best regional internet provider in Tacoma, and while its starting prices are slightly higher than Xfinity’s, there are no built-in price increases. If you want to guarantee your bill won’t ever go up -- and can’t get Quantum Fiber -- T-Mobile is an excellent wireless provider in Tacoma and comes with a price-lock guarantee.

Our methodology

CNET considers speeds, pricing, customer service and overall value to recommend the best internet service in Tacoma across many categories. Our evaluation includes referencing a proprietary database built over years of reviewing internet services. We validate that against provider information by spot-checking local addresses for service availability. We also do a close read of providers' terms and conditions and, when needed, will call ISPs to verify the details.

Despite our efforts to find the most recent and accurate information, our process has some limitations you should know about. Pricing and speed data are variable: certain addresses may qualify for different service tiers, and monthly costs may vary, even within a city. The best way to identify your particular options is to plug your address into a provider's website.

Also, the prices, speed and other information listed above and in the provider cards below may differ from what we found in our research. The cards display the full range of a provider's pricing and speed across the US, according to our database of plan information provided directly by ISPs. At the same time, the text is specific to what's available in Tacoma. The prices referenced within this article's text come from our research and include applicable discounts for setting up automatic payments each month -- a standard industry offering. Other discounts and promotions might also be available for things like signing a term contract or bundling with multiple services.

To learn more about how we review internet providers, visit our full methodology page.

Best internet in Tacoma, Washington

4 Internet providers

Best internet provider in Tacoma, WA

Our take - Quantum Fiber (a sibling company of CenturyLink) is Tacoma's only fiber internet provider, and its plans are incredibly appealing. Prices start at just $30 a month, and they're guaranteed for life. Compare that to the other major internet provider in Tacoma, Xfinity, which doubles its price on some plans after two years. Quantum Fiber also earned the second-highest score of any ISP in the country in the most recent American Customer Satisfaction Index survey.

Read full review

...

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Connection

Fiber

Speed range

200 - 8,000 Mbps

Price range

$30 - $165 per month

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Cheapest internet in Tacoma, WA

Our take - You’d be hard-pressed to find an internet plan in the country cheaper than Xfinity’s $20-a-month Connect plan, which gets you 75Mbps download and 10Mbps upload speed. That low upload speed is the main downside to Xfinity. Even on its fastest plan, upload speeds top out at 35Mbps. In households with multiple people gaming online or videoconferencing, that could be a problem. Also, Xfinity’s prices increase significantly on most plans after two years, but it still has above-average customer satisfaction scores from the ACSI and J.D. Power.

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Connection

Cable

Speed range

150 - 6,000 Mbps

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Best local provider in Tacoma, WA

Our take - If you want to get your internet from a local provider, Lightcurve (formerly Rainier Connect) is a great option that only serves the Tacoma and Puyallup areas. Like Xfinity, it uses a cable internet connection, so its upload speeds are also on the slow side -- 20Mbps on every plan. Unlike Xfinity, prices don’t automatically increase after a year or two.

..

Check with Lightcurve

Compare

Connection

Cable

Speed range

200 - 1,000 Mbps

Show more details

Best fixed wireless internet in Tacoma, WA

Our take - If comparing internet plans gives you a migraine, T-Mobile Home Internet offers a refreshingly simple alternative. It only has one plan for $50 a month and everything is included. Even better, T-Mobile guarantees that it won’t ever raise your rates. Speeds aren’t as fast as the other three options, but most households will get by fine.

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Connection

Fixed wireless

Speed range

72 - 245 Mbps

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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

How to find internet deals and promotions in Tacoma

The best internet deals and the top promotions in Tacoma depend on what discounts are available during that time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.

Tacoma internet providers, such as Xfinity and Lightcurve, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Others, however, including Quantum Fiber and T-Mobile Home Internet, run the same standard pricing year-round.

For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

What’s a good internet speed?

Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines -- and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.

For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.

How CNET chose the best internet providers in Tacoma

Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So what’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.

But it doesn’t end there. We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of the time of publication.

Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:

While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When it comes to selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds, and also take into account real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.

To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.

Internet providers in Tacoma FAQs

What is the best internet service provider in Tacoma?

Quantum Fiber is Tacoma's best internet service provider, offering fast speeds at great prices. It’s the only fiber internet provider in the area, which means it provides upload speeds that are just as fast as the downloads -- ideal for homes that do a lot of online gaming or videoconferencing.

Is fiber internet available in Tacoma?

Yes, fiber internet is available to 40% of Tacoma residents, according to FCC data. Quantum Fiber is the only fiber provider in the area.

Who is the cheapest internet provider in Tacoma?

Xfinity is the cheapest internet provider in Tacoma, with prices starting at $20 a month for 75Mbps download and 10Mbps upload speeds. Prices increase to $35 after one year and $51 after two.

Which internet provider in Tacoma offers the fastest plan?

Xfinity offers the fastest download speeds in Tacoma at 1,200Mbps. Quantum Fiber offers the fastest speeds all around, with download and upload speeds up to 940Mbps.

Home Internet Guides

Located along the shores of Puget Sound, Tacoma is a city with a rich tapestry of natural beauty and cultural landmarks. From the scenic waterfront to expansive parks, Tacoma offers a diverse array of beautiful places to explore.

In this article, we’ll delve into 10 beautiful places in Tacoma that showcase the unique charm of this Pacific Northwest gem. Whether you recently moved into a house in Tacoma or are thinking of renting in the city, let Redfin guide you through some of the most scenic spots.

1. Point Ruston

Situated along Commencement Bay, Point Ruston is a vibrant waterfront destination that blends urban living with natural beauty. Enjoy a calm stroll along the waterfront, taking in breathtaking views of the bay and the Olympic Mountains.

Shelby from local wedding photographer Something Minted recommends checking out this beautiful Tacoma landmark.

“Picture pedaling a surrey along the Puget Sound with sweeping views of nearby islands and Mt Rainier,” she says. “Add the historic Point Ruston Ferry and a range of restaurants, and Point Ruston offers a perfect date day or better yet, wedding day! Family and friends can enjoy murals from local artists on the water walk, goods from Tacoma’s Farmers Market, and sunset views at the Silver Cloud Hotel’s rooftop pool.”

Your next home is just a tap away

Tacoma is home to a number of unique museums. Dive into Tacoma’s artistic scene at the Tacoma Art Museum. This cultural gem boasts an impressive collection of American art, with a particular focus on the art and artists of the Northwest. In addition to all there is to see on the inside, the museum’s modern architecture creates a space where creativity and culture intersect in front of a stunning backdrop.

3. Chihuly Bridge of Glass

Speaking of museums, the Chihuly Bridge of Glass is a breathtaking installation that connects the Museum of Glass to downtown Tacoma. Designed by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, the bridge features a vibrant array of blown glass sculptures, providing a dazzling visual experience against the backdrop of the city and the Thea Foss Waterway. It is easily one of the most beautiful places in Tacoma and highlights the city’s artistic side while providing views of the waterfront and downtown.

4. Point Defiance Park

At over 700 acres, Point Defiance Park is a Pacific Northwest paradise. Explore lush gardens, wander through old-growth forests, and marvel at the serene beauty of Puget Sound. Don’t miss the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium or the captivating Five Mile Drive, offering scenic views and access to various hiking trails. This park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and families alike.

“Tacoma has the great privilege to be the host of one of the largest city parks in the U.S., second only to Central Park in NYC, Point Defiance Park,” says Keith Stein of Tacoma-based Anchor & Lace Photography. “The park itself contains access to miles upon miles of hiking trails, beautifully curated and manicured gardens, a very walkable waterfront beach property, complete with concessions stands and kayak rentals, an amazing zoo, a historic fort, and so much more. The views from every lookout point are simply stunning and offer real meaning and connection of what it means to embrace the lifestyle in the Pacific Northwest.

5. Fort Steilacoom Park

Fort Steilacoom Park, steeped in history, spans 340 acres and features a perfect blend of recreational facilities and natural beauty. Wander through open fields, explore historic structures, and enjoy the serene lakeside trails. The park offers sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for both history buffs and families seeking outdoor fun.

“Fort Steilacoom Park is ideal for various photo sessions, such as engagement and family pictures,” says local photographer Aspen Wika. “It features a serene lake, pathways, wooded areas, open fields, and forest paths, offering lovely backgrounds for photos. Pet owners can capture photos with their dogs at the off-leash dog park, and there’s a playground for kids’ pictures.”

6. Ruston Way Waterfront

Follow the winding Ruston Way Waterfront for a picturesque journey along Puget Sound. This scenic stretch offers parks, walking paths, and panoramic views of the Sound and iconic Mount Rainier. Enjoy one of many waterfront dining options while taking in the view or simply relax on the beaches, immersing yourself in Tacoma’s tranquil coastal ambiance.

7. Tacoma Narrows Bridge

Marvel at the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, an iconic structure that spans the Tacoma Narrows strait and connects the city to the Kitsap Peninsula. The bridge’s graceful curves and stunning views of the surrounding landscape make it both an engineering marvel and a scenic landmark. For a unique perspective, consider a walk on the nearby pedestrian pathway.

8. Wright Park

Escape to the Victorian-era charm of Wright Park, a 27-acre oasis in the heart of Tacoma. Stroll through tree-lined pathways and admire the elegant arboretum, which features over 700 trees, and check out the Seymour Conservatory to experience an array of exotic and native plants. The park’s historic character and botanical beauty make it a serene escape within the city.

9. Titlow Park

Nestled along the shores of Puget Sound, Titlow Park is a coastal retreat with a rich history. Explore the scenic trails, enjoy the views of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in the distance, and discover the historic Titlow Lodge, a twentieth-century hotel that has since been converted to a wedding venue. The park’s beach access and botanical beauty make it a popular spot for relaxation and outdoor activities.

10. LeMay – America’s Car Museum

For automobile enthusiasts, the LeMay – America’s Car Museum is a must-visit destination. Home to an impressive collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, and automotive memorabilia, the museum showcases the evolution of transportation in America. The sleek design of the museum building complements the elegance of the vehicles on display without distracting from their beauty.

See beautiful Tacoma for yourself

From the scenic waterfront developments to the expansive greenery and historical charm, Tacoma offers a diverse array of beautiful places waiting to be explored. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a serene escape, Tacoma has something for everyone, making it a truly captivating destination in the Pacific Northwest to buy or rent a house or apartment.

If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines here.

Chibuzo is part of the content marketing team and enjoys writing about local insights and home improvement. His dream home is a Mediterranean-style house with a large kitchen and plenty of windows.

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