Shop Talk | Twin Bridges Inn coming back for more (again)

YAKIMA, Wash. -- I don't usually talk religion at Shop Talk, but sometimes it seems that Yakima's restaurant industry is practicing reincarnation.

Many restaurants have stayed intact despite several changes, including their owners.

Others have closed and reopened, having success under new owners.

There's no better example of this than the Twin Bridges Inn.

The eatery at 1315 N. First St. has had multiple lives. And with every reincarnation, it seems to not only get back previous regulars, but get new ones in the process.

When the last incarnation of the Twin Bridges Inn shut down several years ago, it was unclear when -- or even if -- the restaurant would bounce back.

It turns out that time is now. And the restaurant's new owner may be a familiar face to some.

David Williams was chef of Jake's Diner, which his family operated at 3506 W. Nob Hill Blvd. for a few years in the early 2000s.

Williams has fond memories of Twin Bridges. Growing up, his stepfather, who was a race car driver, was a regular at the eatery. His stepfather would hang out with other race car friends while Williams would play video games.

A few months ago, there was an opportunity to lease the building.

"I hated to see the place sit empty, so when it became available, I jumped on it," he said.

Williams is keeping the Twin Bridges name, which is the only old thing he'll be keeping for his version of the restaurant.

The restaurant is undergoing a major remodel that includes removing the bar.

Down the road, Williams has plans to offer beer and wine, but the focus is on families, such as his -- he's a single father.

As a result, the bar will make way to an arcade for the kids.

A Shop Talk aside

OK, I know what some of you are thinking: Won't this irritate some of Twin Bridges previous regulars?

Maybe.

After all, it was former Twin Bridges bartender Rebecca Merrifield who encouraged previous owners to stay open during the holidays back in 2006, when I wrote a story about regulars spending Thanksgiving there.

On the other hand, it makes sense for Williams to target families -- I've heard from real estate agents and local diners that there's a need for more family-friendly eateries.

And sometimes, the market demands a new concept.

In November 2008, the former Pete's Nightclub on North Second Street re-emerged as the Second Street Grill.

Driving the change was the realization by partners Steve Pinza and Pete Blue that the nightclub's clientele was growing up and needed something more low-key and relaxing.

When it first opened, many referred to it as the "New Pete's." Today, the restaurant and sports bar -- which offers a hybrid of American and Asian cuisine -- has since settled into its own identity and few refer to it by the Pete's name.

Competitively priced foods

Williams is hoping to win old and new customers with his food, which he describes as southern home cooking. The menu will include items such as biscuits and gravy and steak.

"We're going to make you feel that you're coming home, rather than going out," Williams said.

Williams said all the menu items will be under the $20 mark.

He's aiming to open the restaurant by the first week of August, though construction may push the opening date later in the month.

Panda Express in West Valley?

Since securing land use approvals last summer, Panda Express, a Chinese quick service chain, has remained quiet about its plans for a West Valley location.

There are now signs of movement.

Late last month, Walmart Stores sold a 0.79-acre lot at 6560 W. Nob Hill Blvd. to CFT Development LLC. That is the same LLC that owns the Panda Express location at 1915 S. First St., which opened late in 2008.

The parcel is located next to a Chase bank branch that opened earlier this year.

Other than the land purchase, company representatives have not revealed any more details.

Stay tuned.

* Mai Hoang's Reporter's Notebook is published Mondays in the Marketplace section. To reach her, call 509-577-7685 or email maihoang@yakimaherald.com.