Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
One of the things I love about a new year is seeing what’s changing around town—especially when it comes to food and local businesses. Gig Harbor does a great job of holding onto its small-town charm, but it’s also fun to see new spots open their doors (and give us new excuses to eat out).
If you’ve spent any time downtown recently, you probably noticed the big change at the iconic corner of Harborview and Pioneer. Heritage Distillery closing definitely raised some eyebrows—mostly followed by the big question: what’s going to move in there? Now we know. That space will soon become The Midway, created by the owner of Morso. From what’s been shared so far, it sounds like a bakery-deli concept with coffee, sandwiches, scones, and other baked goods. Honestly, it feels like a great fit for that corner—something casual, walkable, and perfect for a morning coffee or a mid-day bite while wandering downtown.
Another spot that caught my attention is Couple of Scoops, opening in Uptown in the old GameStop location next to Round Table Pizza. Ice cream and bulk candy? That’s a hard combo to beat. Whether you’re grabbing a scoop after dinner or loading up on candy “for the kids” (no judgment here), this one feels like it’s going to be a hit. Bulk candy is always a winner in my book.
And then there’s a name most people recognize right away—Ivar’s. When I hear Ivar’s, I immediately think chowder… but let’s be honest, the fish and chips deserve just as much credit. Ivar’s is planning to open in Uptown in the former Lunchbox Laboratory space, with an anticipated opening sometime in February. That’s a pretty exciting addition, especially for anyone who already spends time in Uptown shopping, running errands, or meeting friends for lunch.
One more name floating around town is Chick-fil-A. This one is still more rumor than confirmation, but the buzz is that it could be opening on Olympic Drive, replacing the Chevron station. If that ends up happening, it would definitely require a major renovation to the lot—and probably come with plenty of conversation (and traffic). Whether you’re excited, skeptical, or somewhere in between, it’s interesting to see how much attention even the possibility of a new business can generate.
What all of this really highlights is how much Gig Harbor continues to evolve. New businesses mean new jobs, new gathering places, and more reasons to stay local instead of driving out of town. It’s exciting to see familiar names come in, local owners expand, and fresh ideas take shape—all while still keeping the community feel that makes Gig Harbor such a great place to live.
So now I’m curious—what are you most excited about? The bakery vibes at The Midway? Ice cream and candy at Couple of Scoops? Chowder season at Ivar’s? Or are you holding out for something else entirely?
However you feel about change, one thing’s for sure: 2026 is already shaping up to be a tasty year in Gig Harbor.
