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Foodies Brick and Mortar will relocate to Columbia Park after being displaced from its downtown Kennewick home by the devastating fire in the neighboring Cascade building in February.
Foodies, led by Joanna Wilson, is leasing the 2,600-square-foot building from the city of Kennewick at the Columbia Park Golf Tri-Plex, 2701 Paul Parish Drive, in Columbia Park.
The Foodies on the Go food truck, which launched in May, is operating outside the new location.
It will succeed Bite at the Landing, which was opened there in 2019 by the Simmons family of C.G. Public House and Catering. It decided to close after its lease expired on Sept. 10. “It’s the best time of year in the Tri-Cities to open our doors and welcome old and new friends to enjoy Foodies on the River,” Wilson said in a news release.
No opening date has been announced yet but work is underway to get the restaurant ready, including hiring new staff.
“Right now we will be redecorating/remodeling to put on that Foodies flare. This location provides us with so many fun activities to look forward to. Think live music, game nights, events and more,” Wilson posted on the Foodies Facebook page in mid-September.
The new partnership with Foodies represents the city council’s commitment to economic development and helping retain and grow local businesses, said Evelyn Lusignan, the city’s public affairs director.
The city spent $1.1 million to build the Columbia River Landing building three years ago.
“It’s common sentiment the restaurant business is tough, but to see the resilience of Joanna and her staff in the wake of a heartbreaking fire is inspiring,” she said in a release. “The excitement of Foodies and their fans is contagious. Our community and visitors deserve full-service dining on the shores of the Columbia River, so we’re pleased they are reopening in Kennewick and confident it will be a top attraction.”
Foodies launched seven years ago as Floatin’ Foodies, a pontoon boat serving up some of the same menu items that will be featured at its new riverfront location.
Foodies Brick & Mortar opened at 308 W. Kennewick Ave. in 2015 and expanded in 2018 with a location at 701 The Parkway in Richland.