St. Helens Cafe Closes Doors

Nick January 24, 2008

… and bad timing too, with the Roberson complete, Chelsea Heights renting, and the other condo construction in the area wrapping up, that whole area should see quite a boost in business from all the new residents.

Nick January 24, 2008

Also I think the biggest deterrent was the excess space – it made the place feel empty even when there was a decent crowd (a very bad thing in the restaurant business).

tom waits January 24, 2008

i was a fan of their fish n’ chips and am kind of depressed to see it close. good fish n chips, like good chinese food, is hard to find.

nonetheless, along with other comments, i had been wondering how they were able to sustain such a large space.

the empty feeling didn’t bother me (i prefer it), but it was hard to imagine that the revenue supported that much space.

less than a third of what they had would have sufficed, imho.

Erik B. January 24, 2008

St. Helens Cafe, the Stadium District’s fish and chips restaurant (above Stadium Bistro) has closed its doors. While it’s being said that it may be temporary, we’re hearing that it’s permanent.

So sad. It was kid friendly and some good food. The layout and the entrance location was a bit of a problem.

It was painful to see Doyles standing room only and St. Helens with two tables full.

Brotha E January 24, 2008

That is a bummer, Although kid friendly the prices to take a family out for fish and chips was quite out there. I would have gone more if it didn’t cost 40-50 bucks to take a family of 4 out for some fish and fries. Those were Johnny’s prices. $30 bucks tops.

Ginkgo January 24, 2008

Maybe Doyles could take over the space.

The food and beer were good, but the problem was the space – the whole front end of the restaurant felt wide open and cold. It was fine to sit there in the summertime but it was pretty uninviting in this kind of weather.

Back to the food – what they had was good, but pretty monotonous – a little more variety would have brought me in a little more often.
Oh, yeah, and the food prices I agree – - fish and chips is not $10/portion food. It should be priced like a hamburger.

drizell January 24, 2008

If I’m ever successful at opening a bar or cafe, my business model would be to find as small a space as possible. Tacoma has some great examples of small restaurant spaces: Red Hot, It’s Greek to Me and Enoteca Wine Bar are few.

What to do with the second floor now? Well, the space is about 6500 square feet. Divide that by 4 and you’ve got some really sweet loft spaces.

Christy January 24, 2008

I did like that place, but it’s giant open space paired with (what always felt to me) an uncomfortable ordering procedure, did the place in.

Sad, the food and views were really good.

snoopy January 24, 2008

I enjoyed that place.

Jenyum January 24, 2008

That’s too bad. I really liked their food, it was one of the last “breaded” meals I had and I will remember it fondly.

It was a weird ordering process and space. And the prices were a little off. Too bad they couldn’t work out some of the kinks and keep it open.

Christine January 24, 2008

I’m seeing a trend in the comments and they are the two things that I noticed when I went to St. Helen’s Cafe. The space was excessive and the prices were too much for fish’n‘chips.

Last time I went, me, my husband and his 11yo daughter paid over $40 for basic F’n‘C, 2 beers and a soda. We decided that it was too expensive for what we had.

morgan January 24, 2008

Very sad. We went there is often as we could, but we just don’t eat fish and chips too often. I guess we’re not alone considering Skipper’s on Pearl Street closed right as the St. Helens Cafe was opening.

I think if they down played the food aspect and added 100 taps of beer and a funky interior, things could have turned out different.

If there are any other businesses out there walking that line, please ask for help before it’s too late!

altered chords January 24, 2008

I’ve been back in Tacoma since September after 18 months away. Lot’s of new eateries.

They seem to have sprung up in ANTICIPATION of patraonage from all the new condos.

So, while the restaurants are waiting for the new arrivals, let those of us who are already here spread the word about our favorite places.

Speaking of which. The One Heart Cafe at 6th and Saint Helens will have live jazz on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month. They have a real piano and a steady group of musicians that actually play authentic jazz. They’ve got an impressive menu and of course, great coffee and tea. I hear that beer and wine may be available in the future but in the meantime, stop in this Tuesday between 5:30 and 8:30 to hear some folks pouring out their souls who don’t mind if you talk while enjoying the music. This Tuesday there will be a quartet comprised of piano (Bill Barnett), Jazz Guitar (Mike Nelson), Upright Bass (Tom Brooks) and Congas (Congo Carter)

(the astute reader will observe that Tuesday the 29th of January is actually the 5th Tuesday but starting in Feb. it will be the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month from 5:30 to 8:30)

Erik B. January 24, 2008

They seem to have sprung up in ANTICIPATION of patraonage from all the new condos.

Stadium is one of the most improved areas in Tacoma. There are a ton of people who walk around or drive in. The failure can’t be blamed on the location.

If there are any other businesses out there walking that line, please ask for help before it’s too late!

There has been talk of local merchants getting together to give some frank but confidential advice on the planning and running of new businesses.

Its sad to see new businesses start up with alot of gumption but then miss it on one or two items that bug everyone and then watch the business slowly but surely pubically starve to death.

The chain restaurants and coffee shops have their bolier plate restaurants worked out pretty well on every imaginable issue. There is little room for error for independent businesses.

Pete Weikel January 24, 2008

Very sad to see St. Helens Cafe close. John is a good friend, and I know how hard he worked.

Altered Chords is right about more jazz needed, and at Stadium Bistro we are proud to announce that this Friday and Saturday, local jazz guitarist Ed Taylor and his trio are playing twice each night, at 7:30pm and 9:30pm $10. Ed Taylor’s been featured in Jazz Times Magazine and the Weekly Volcano, and we are happy to have him this weekend, and we’re working on regular future dates for Ed and other jazz artists…

Chef Pete is cooking up some great Dungeness Crab and Hand Rolled Pasta specials, and Mike’s got some stiff drink specials…come on down for great live jazz, the best food, great beer and drinks and a GREAT time.

Pete Weikel January 24, 2008

Erik,

I must respond, I cannot help myself 

I am frustrated and angry about the closing of the St. Helen’s Café. Did John make some mistakes? Yup, and he and I had many discussions.

In Friday’s Go section, Ed Murietta will review buffets, yeah. That’s okay, gut busting buffets seem to be an important part of the American diet. Just not for me, I’ve seen the filth behind the scenes.

Stanley and Seaforts, Olive Garden, Joeseppis, and the like are packed, serving food out of a can or a box that fell off the back of the Sysco truck. Sysco wouldn’t do business with Stadium Bistro because we wouldn’t buy $1,000 a week worth of processed food. Steve, the rep, said, “I make my money on cans and dry goods (pasta and the like).” Good luck, Steve, we make our pasta by hand, the same day it’s served. And we always will.

I am angry enough to be tempted to say I don’t care. But I do. I have become enamored enough with our neighborhood to be a tad over invested. Oh well. My choice. No complaints.

Chef Pete can cook anything you want…to perfection. Now’s your chance, what do you want, and what do you want it to cost? Do you like the Olive Garden, we’ll cook their menu, but make it all from scratch and charge the same price. Like the Outback, we’ll cook it from scratch and charge the same. Be reasonable, be honest, we’re making a new menu just to give you what you want. Tell us, then come on down and eat great fresh food. We might even name the dish after you.

You see, the dirty little secret in the restaurant business is that fresh, good food doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. It just takes a certain skill level, dedication and enough heart to make the effort. You won’t find that at the Olive Garden.

I lunched today with a local executive who hadn’t visited Stadium Bistro yet; ‘it’s too expensive’. He was shocked to learn he would not be able to eat all the tapas I could serve him for $25, and then enjoy a glass of ½ priced-wine.

Do we walk the line at Stadium Bistro? You bet we do. Do we expect people to support us if we offer an inferior product? You bet we don’t.

We at Stadium Bistro intend to be the anchor of the Stadium Business district/St. Helens Corridor. Arrogant, not intended to be. Visionary, I hope so. Realistic, if we go down it will be in ball of fire.

I must go now, my wife says I’ve said too much.

Kristin January 24, 2008

Pete @ 16

Thank you for your comments. Admit that when I dine out I like to be treated as a guest. Stadium Bistro went over the top: Escort from the door arm extended for my 6 year old daughter to take and to be escorted to our table for two. Complete full attention service, wonderful, exquisite food, and an invitation to meet the chef. Nothing better than to meet the chef in his own restaurant. To be spoiled. To be charmed as a guest. That is the magic. Bravo Stadium Bistro :)

rich January 24, 2008

let’s see….condos and food places……hmmmm….too much of both without external growth into Class A and more retail……the developement circle has to include all or none will survive………our little town can only support so many food places……….now, maybe we can get some companies to locate to Tacoma and bring in growth in population to support all the fricken condos…or in Priums case, apartments (now)……….we’re always a step behind here……..the truth hurts huh….we have no clue on proper developement here in this little town………talk about throwing a dart at the dart board……heck, we can’t even finish a couple of projects on the Foss……heck, the crains are still smokin up north………..what a joke…….

rich January 24, 2008

oh, by the way, this is really not directed at ST Helens, I always ment to stop in there but never had the chance…..my comment is really at the quantity of condos and rest/bars the opened over the last few years without any external growth…………once, again…my comments are nothing against St. Helens……

morgan January 25, 2008

Pete (and gang), You guys serve some of the best cooking in town, we’re lucky to have you. If you want, let’s set aside some time to talk over a glass of wine – maybe get a small feedback group together. Let me know.

jdub January 25, 2008

Pete, what is going in next to you? Coffee, I hear. Is it yours? Is master Chef Peter going to grace us with early morning buttery croissants and brioche to die for?

Erik B. January 25, 2008

Chef Pete can cook anything you want…to perfection. Now’s your chance, what do you want, and what do you want it to cost?

Thanks Pete for weighing in. I have relied on Stadium Bistro to fill in when I needed a ringer restaurant experience with new people in town and you have pulled it off every time with some rather discerning palettes.

Please forgive the blogoshpere post mortem posted above and in other threads.

We are just trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t the best we can.

Mary January 25, 2008

Rich@19 “…I always ment (sic) to stop in there but never had the chance…”

Perhaps that is part of the problem. No business, especially a local, indepedent one, can survive unless you/we actually patronize it.

Kitty January 25, 2008

I hate to say this but the HUGE missing development piece is the schools. A big company is not going to HQ here as long as our schools are as they are. We have a lot of great folks working on the issues but we must bring this together as a community – if you’ve got kids or not. The City and the Schools and we Tacoman’s must partner more closly with schools to ensure quality education, livable neighborhoods… I too will miss St Helen’s Cafe, always meant to go there more often…. dang.

Pete Weikel January 25, 2008

Thank you all for the kind words, they are very much appreciated and reinforce the feelings myself, Cathryn, and Chef Pete have developed for the community of friends we’ve made over the past year.

It’s very hard to get folks simply to tell you what they want. As I wrote above, we’re making a new menu, a community-based menu – just tell us what you want. We are a part of the neighborhood, trying (and doing) things no other restaurant can do. Too expensive, tell me what you want, and how much you want it to cost.

Rich writes, ‘our little town can only support so many food places………’ True, and if you want those places to be lifeless chains, buffets, and local joints dishing up processed frankenfoods kicked off the Sysco truck, that’s fine. That’s your choice, and God bless you. Meanwhile Olive Garden, et al are packed, supported nicely by our little town. With all due respect, it’s a matter of choice, not the size of our town.

We’re toying with the idea of a ‘tribute’ menu to the Olive Garden; Chef Pete will cook their menu, and make it all from scratch…for the same price. I like the idea, maybe do the same for the Outback, and the rest of the processed, chemical laden, artificial food purveyors. I have to convince the Chef.

We are committed to fresh, locally sourced, organic, natural food. And, dammit (insert smiley face here), we’re going to kick some culinary ass, giving you exactly what you want.

Christy January 25, 2008

Pete, you’re on the right track, but geez man, what’s with you and the Olive Garden? I think it’s pretty safe to say that most people recognize that the OG has some pretty crappy food, please don’t aspire to be like them.

What makes them so successful? #1. Location: near the army/air force base and tons of parking. #2. Extremely family oriented: Little wait for seating; big tables; kid menu; freebies like salad and bread sticks; and a carafe of cheep Merlot for mom & dad. #3. The price keeps granny and gramps plus families of 5 coming back for more. (honestly, should Italian peasant food ever be expensive?) #4. Because it’s a chain they have great advertising and lots of coupons (as a retail person, I’ve learned that Tacoma has a very high coupon use market, did you know that?).

Some of these things, you’ll never be able to compete with, but they can never match your food quality and service. Just keep getting the word out.

lnubav January 25, 2008

I am so bummed. St. Helens had the best F&Cs in town. The batter was so light and crispy. It was the closest thing to real Engish F&Cs I’ve found in Tacoma. Where do I go now?

Jenyum January 25, 2008

Christy at 26:

We were given an Olive Garden gift certificate for Christmas and have yet to use it because the wait is always so long (40 minutes usually, for dinner). You could probably walk right into most locally owned restaurants at 5:30 on a weeknight and pay about the same amount of money as you would for a meal at the Olive Garden.

We have a long-standing household rule never to wait for seating at a chain restaurant. I don’t know why people are willing to wait so long, but if it weren’t for that we’d never have discovered that “Thai Hut 2” tucked in behind the Applebee’s in the same complex, is excellent.

The Olive Garden and Old Country Buffet are absolutely packed on any given weeknight, for what is basically bad college dorm food.

We were given kids eat free coupons for old country buffet a while back and gave them a few tries, but with just the two of us paying it still cost over $30. I honestly don’t get why people are willing to pay that much for instant pudding and pressed meat. Then again, I could just be bitter because there’s very little I trust to be gluten free there, with all the processed food. It’s the kind of place where even the mashed potatoes could contain some kind of strange food starch.

Christy January 25, 2008

Oh, is it that long of wait? To tell you the truth, I haven’t eaten there in a few years. It’s disgusting! And the Old Country is so nasty, I don’t know why anyone would eat there for any price. I really prefer good food. Still, not surprised that those places are so busy.

rich January 25, 2008

actually I do prefer the local places, just because I never went to the place doesn’t mean that I don’t support it…..I was slowly making my way through the 100 or so new places to go…..I can only go so fast………..but seriously, that brings up the fact that we in Tacoma at this point can only support so much….we need external growth to bring in additional population……….that’s all……it’s pure supply and demand………..basic economics……

Rebecca January 25, 2008

So, Pete – is Stadium Bistro not closing? It sounds like you are saying they aren’t. If they aren’t, I think they will do good business here in the spring/summer. I lived in the Park Tower across the street and always meant to check it out but haven’t yet. But I think once people are out and walking around (there’s no parking nearby) that things will pick up. I heartily back up family/locally owned businesses! I ran one with my family and we had to close it, I HATE to see this happen to others. Best of luck!

D. Voelpel January 25, 2008

I am so bummed. St. Helens had the best F&Cs in town. The batter was so light and crispy. It was the closest thing to real Engish F&Cs I’ve found in Tacoma. Where do I go now?

Jon Holt, the proprietor of St. Helens Cafe, formerly worked as the general manager at Steamer’s down by Titlow Beach and at Katie Down’s on Ruston Way. He developed the fish recipe for both. I’m not a fan of Steamer’s, but my wife and I both agree that Katie Down’s had the second-best fish in town. Next to Jon’s St. Helens Cafe. The batter recipe at Katie Down’s included beer. The St. Helens recipe had a water base.

Good luck.

phillyG January 26, 2008

to: Lnuvbab

Looking for good fish and chips? … Real fish and chips?

You’ve got to check out the Fishhouse on South K on Hilltop right by the St Joes HOspital. (I think it is 19th & K)

Crenshaw Sepulveda January 26, 2008

Don’t each fish and chips at the Fishhouse at MLK and 19th. If you eat their fish you’ll never be satisfied with any other fish and chips.

lnubav January 26, 2008

I will miss it…. St. Helen’s Cafe was family-friendly, great staff, and solid fish and chips.(special order: fries xtra crispy!)

Went back to try Anthony’s a while back, and was greatly disappointed.. and when I asked about why the fish seemed rubbery and soggy, the staff replied, “Sometimes that happens” and made no attempt to fix it or reimburse us.

Silk Thai has a yummy crispy fish (try with ginger/garlic sauce) but sometimes you just crave FISH&CHIPS!

Thanks for the shout out for the Fishhouse. We will definitely have to try them.

altered chords January 27, 2008

I thought it was only a matter time before someone brought up the Fish House Cafe. Crenshaw and phillyg are spot on. Please don’t go there – He’ll triple the price in no time.

Don’t expect “light and fluffy” This is the real deal. Have the fish ‘n chips for lunch but get extra tartar sauce. That way you won’t need to waste time eating dinner that night. Just have a few beers instead.

Re: Stadium Bistro. I’ve got to come clean. I am one of the guilty parties who have seen it, admired the menu on line and said “I’ll have to get over there w/ my wife some night, or for lunch” Still havn’t done it though.

Pete – I owe you a few visits. Soon.

downtown denizen January 30, 2008

Chef Pete, our work hours take us both into late evening and we have no kids yet; as a result we almost always eat out weeknights, in Tacoma, so I’d imagine that makes us part of your target demographic. We’ve been all up and down the St. Helens and 6th ave corridor, from Cafe by the Bay thru Masa/Asado and all the way out to the Happy Dragon. You’d never catch us in a place like Olive Garden, Outback, Red Lobster, Famous Dave’s or Old Country Buffet, but where we used to live there is a chain called Romano’s Macaroni Grill that successfully marketed themselves as a step above those chains as a place to even take out of town visitors, and that was really more about their marketing than their food. The association with a name really helps, in this case, Romano, a person, possibly mythical, but it subconsciously implies someone taking a personal responsibility for the place.

So please take this comment in the spirit of constructive criticism, but the name, Stadium Bistro does not to me convey the kind of dining experience you are describing, and if I hadn’t read this blog, we would frankly never have gone there.

The word Stadium to us conjures up the noise and the occasional violence associated with the high school, and the word Bistro to me implies bar food like Chopsticks at best and Winfield’s at worst, but definitely not the level of cuisine you are describing.

Obviously we are too easily swayed by names — we are both triskedecaphobic enough to never drive or bike on 13th street, for instance, even though we’re able to ignore that St. Joe’s simply renamed their 13th floor the 14th floor just for people like us :)

We’ll make a point of getting to Stadium Bistro now, but here’s one vote for asking you to consider a name change to something that would make itinerant restaurant goers like us not unfairly dismiss the option out of hand. How about “Chez Pete?” Irreverent enough to not seem overly stuffy but implies your background (from your website description) in French cuisine and then you wouldn’t need the fleur de lis in your logo :)

Jake January 30, 2008

I don’t really see a problem with the name Stadium Bistro other than it isn’t in the Stadium District but in the St. Helens Neighborhood.

I am also pretty sure most people don’t connect Stadium (district or HS) with crime.

Here is Bistro that has their game down: http://www.35bistro.com/

Very similar I think to Stadium Bistro. I wonder if Pete has visited this place.

Jake January 30, 2008

Oh and here is a thought for the space. I know it is big but not huge but how about breaking it into smaller spaces (think Sanford & Sons). You have a kitchen so you can have a small restaurants and then make a central hallway with small 200sqft shops. Small affordable retail space is in demand.

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