From Bookstore Openings to Business Shifts: A Roundup of Tacoma’s Latest Developments
The landscape of Tacoma’s business and culinary scene is shifting this fall, with a flurry of activity ranging from the arrival of niche retailers to the unfortunate closure of long-standing local favorites.
A New Chapter for Romance Readers
Book lovers in the Tacoma area have a reason to celebrate this September. Bewitched Romance, a popular online and pop-up bookstore, is set to open its first permanent brick-and-mortar storefront at the Waterfront Market at Ruston.
The grand opening, scheduled for September 26 and 27, promises to be a festive affair featuring author signings, raffles, and exclusive giveaways. In keeping with its specialty, the store will offer a curated selection of romance novels, book-themed accessories, and apparel. The shop is also well-known for its “Blind Date with a Book” feature, where customers can request a mystery read tailored to their preferred themes and genres.
Culinary and Retail Transitions
The region is also welcoming several new dining and retail establishments:
- Tropical Sip Café: Opening September 4 at 901 Pacific Ave., Suite B, this day-to-night destination will serve everything from breakfast fare and acai bowls to late-night cocktails. The cafe will remain open until 11:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, catering to the downtown crowd.
- Hive Provisions + Refillery: After closing its original South Tacoma Way location last year, this popular gift shop has found a new home at 504 S. 11th St., Suite B. The store offers a sustainable shopping experience, featuring local art, apparel, and a dedicated “refillery bar” for household and bath products.
- Moe’s Southwest Grill: Marking its Washington debut, this well-known Tex-Mex chain has opened its doors at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The restaurant is serving a full menu of burritos, nachos, and signature items like “stacks” and “dippers.”
- Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya: Expanding its footprint in the Pacific Northwest, this Japanese chain has opened a new location in Puyallup at 10221 156th St. E. The restaurant features a menu of 20 distinct ramen styles, alongside sushi rolls, curry, and traditional izakaya-style snacks.
- My 4 Sons BBQ: The barbecue scene in Gig Harbor is set to grow this fall as this Midland-based favorite prepares to take over the former Brimstone PNW site on Pioneer Way.
Closures and Corporate Changes
Not all news is growth-oriented. The South Tacoma bakery Pasteles Finos del Angel, which served the community for eight years, closed its doors on August 21. While the storefront has shuttered, owner Miguel Hernandez has indicated he will continue to accept orders through the end of September or early October.
Meanwhile, the retail sector is facing significant corporate downsizing. T-Mobile has announced the closure of 12 stores across Washington state—including a location on Pacific Avenue in Tacoma—as part of a broader move that will result in the layoffs of 77 employees.
As the local economy continues to evolve, these businesses highlight the dynamic mix of independent entrepreneurship and major corporate shifts currently shaping the Tacoma business landscape.
