TNT Diner - Herban Cafe digs into Sixth Avenue

Good eats and drinks around town

Thursday, November 8th, 2007

Posted by Ed Murrieta @ 10:34:05 am

There's something to cluck about in the deep-fried saga that was Ezell's Famous Chicken on Sixth Avenue in Tacoma: A new neighborhood cafe serving an all-day-menu is moving into the abandoned chicken shack.

Steve and Gretchen Nogler, former owners of Sumner's Garden Cafe, plan to open Pinwheel Catering's Herban Cafe next month.

Steve Nogler, a veteran of high-end dining at El Gaucho and Sea Grill, says Herban Cafe will serve soups, sandwiches and hot entrees all day, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (11 on Fridays and Saturdays). Sundays will be brunch-only. He cited Rosewood Cafe as an inspiration. He's even promising steaks.

For now, Nogler's busy removing the deep-fried chicken grease that's been sitting in the kitchen since Ezell's abruptly shut down more than a year ago in a dispute with the building's former owner. Nogler said he's shooting for a Dec. 16 opening.

Pinwheel Catering's Herban Cafe: 2602 6th Ave., Tacoma; 253-572-0170

Meanwhile, 12th Street Diner has new owners and a new menu. In addition to burgers and fries, there are cold sandwiches, and salads.

12th Street Diner: 4008 S. 12th St., Tacoma; 253-752-8100

Categories: Restaurant openings, Changes and sales • 8 comments

COMMENTS:

Comment by chariots @ 08:06 - Friday, November 9th, 2007

Check out our website: pinwheelcatering.com to see what we did and will continue to do. We are excited to be relocating to Tacoma. The location is amazing and the response from the neighborhood people has been great.

Comment by dinneratsix @ 17:18 - Saturday, November 10th, 2007

I wish Steve and Gretchen well with their move from Windmill Gardens to 6TH Ave. I hope their new format will fill their business needs better than in Sumner. I also hope their everyday menu will be wider. Their daily service more professional, and their appearance of their kitchen staff, brought several notches up, than in Sumner. I had the opportunity to nosh, and see the "behind scenes" in Sumner...they all need to be stepped up! Hopefully, with a little work, they can "kick it up" from Sumner, and flourish on 6TH Ave. Only time will tell. Up for the challenge?

Comment by fredhuddle @ 19:09 - Saturday, November 10th, 2007

I went to pinwheelcatering.com and checked out your website. I hope Herban Cafe is kept up better than the website. I'm looking for another good place on 6th.

Comment by tacomagirl @ 12:30 - Sunday, November 11th, 2007

Geez, people. What's up with the negativity?
Steve and Gretchen, you'll be great here. We're looking forward to it!

Comment by chariots @ 14:50 - Sunday, November 11th, 2007

Thanks! The website should be updated soon, we just thought you'd like to see our tenure at the cafe. We've been in the location a little over a week, please feel free to stop by if you see us on the job site, we'd love for everyone to have a before & after look for themselves. We're hoping to exceed everyone's expectations, but man, you're a tough crowd! we look forward to the challenge.

Comment by monkeybob @ 07:59 - Monday, November 12th, 2007

Welcome to the neighborhood. I live just around the corner from you. It is nice to see you coming in. Can't wait! Love your menu at your old location.

WELCOME!

Comment by Patty @ 17:36 - Monday, November 12th, 2007

I hope the 12th St Diner continues great success! I always enjoy seeing former restaurant buildings used instead of sitting empty. Best of luck to you!

Comment by goddesslunacy @ 05:11 - Wednesday, November 28th, 2007

Herban Cafe still on schedule to open soon?

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