| The site of the former Mitzel’s American Kitchen in Poulsbo, which had been destroyed in a fire, has been busy with construction. Parent company Elmer’s Restaurants Inc. is working to rebuild — but when a new restaurant opens its doors later this year, it will look nothing like MItzel’s.
The new diner, called Taprock Norwest Grill, is a completely new concept for Elmer’s, which is based in Oregon. CEO Dennis Waldron said the company was already working on the Taprock idea when Mitzel’s was destroyed. Although the Poulsbo location was one of the better performing Mitzel’s, the company decided to launch the new concept instead.
“If it’s successful there, we’ll consider it for other locations,” he said.
Taprock will cater to the same target audience with a casual atmosphere “where you can dress up or dress down,” Waldron said. The menu and the look will be completely different, however. With a distinct Northwest-style lodge, the restaurant will feature high ceilings, two river-rock fireplaces and other elements inspired by a vacation lodge atmosphere.
The menu will focus on seafood and Northwest produce from local farmers. “The whole idea for the cuisine is to use Northwest ingredients, local or locally sourced,” he said.
Renowned chef and cookbook author Diane Morgan has been hired to develop the menu concept. “We’re confident the new menu will provide delicious options for every family member,” she said in a press release. “We’ve created a menu that showcases the spirit of the Pacific Northwest.”
The restaurant’s expected opening is October. | 