There’s new life coming to Tacoma Avenue! SideBar Bistro will open at 1101 Tacoma Avenue South by the beginning of September at the site of the former Kelly’s Restaurant in the historic Samuel Robertson building. Tacoma Community Redevelopment Authority will support this new venture with a $150,000 low-interest loan that owners Thomas and JoAnna Irick will pay back over the next five years.

The Irick’s, who since 2005 have operated the Hot Rod Dog at 1742 Pacific Ave. in the Old West Coast Grocery Building across from Union Station, will receive another $50,000 loan to expand that business. They will add sandwiches and paninis to their menu at the Pacific Ave. location, and will open a new Hot Rod Dog location next to SideBar Bistro.