Kickstarting the Defiant Goldfish

The old Goldfish Tavern has been sitting empty for the last couple years, perched just across the street from the entrance to Point Defiance Park, inspiring many a daydream about buying the old bar and fixing it up. Two guys jumped on that daydream, and bought it earlier this year.

Defiance Bar & Bistro Defiant Goldfish

Partners Adam Dopps and Corey Webb hung a sign putting passersby on notice that the "Defiance Bar & Bistro" would be opening soon. After a long conversation on Facebook with fans and friends, the decision was made to keep the Goldfish name, but put a new twist on it. The new name: The Defiant Goldfish.

This has the added benefit of addressing some confusion we've heard, confusing the Defiance Bar & Bistro with the Point Defiance Tap & Grill that opened just up the street this week, just across from the Antique Sandwich Company. The new name should help with that.

The Work

Adam and Corey have their work cut out for them to get the bar back up to occupiable standards. 

First there was the issue of the non-conforming use of a bar in a location zoned residential. The old Goldfish had been grandfathered in, having predated the zoning limitations. The lengthy closure threatened that grandfathered status, putting pressure on the new owners to open the bar sooner than expected.

That opening can't happen without some serious remodeling. Built in 1933, the bar needs significant work to address structural, electrical, and aesthetic issues. The long list includes redoing the cracked exterior stucco, fixing the leaking roof, and addressing the "river" running through the outdated electrical panel. Uneven cement floors need to be ground down; holes need patching; and the kitchen, cooler, and other equipment need to be replaced to bring them up to code. The bar also needs furnishings like tables, chairs, barstools, and decor. 

The Kickstarter

The guys have launched a Kickstarter campaign to generate funds to help them get the bar operational. They're asking for $22,000 for the work needed to get the bar open by February 2015. They have until December 5 to raise the money. Rewards offered to supporters include everything from a special edition Christmas tree ornament to a wall-sized, faux ghost sign ad for one lucky corporate sponsor, and a lot of other items in between.

Adam and Corey have big plans for the little old bar. Although they plan to reopen it as a family-friendly restaurant, they also plan to have a full bar.

It will be a family friendly, bistro style restaurant and bar, with a focus on the seven Tacoma area Craft Breweries and the many Craft Distilleries popping up throughout the state.  It was a Tavern before, which meant “no minors”. It is re-opening as a restaurant with a full liquor bar, so it will be able to allow families with children in to the restaurant up until 7 pm. “We are planning to have a specialty cocktail menu that is as delicious as it is unique” said Adam Dopps. “On the food side, we will be sourcing our produce and fruit locally and will buy as many of our ingredients locally as possible. Our menu will global, but our shopping will be done locally.”

At last check they were at just over $5,600 toward that $22,000 goal. They need a little help - are you in?

Join the Kickstarter here.