The north end of Pacific Avenue has become a hub of food, drink and play with the likes of the Matador, Tacoma Cabana, Meconi's, The Office and Dorky's all within a traffic cone's throw. When Paddy Coyne's Irish Pub, a neighbor to the aforementioned joints, closed its doors earlier this year, questions began to arise. What will take its place? What will happen to the magnificent wooded back bar?

I have one of those answers. I stumbled upon the space's new owner, Tim Mellema, as he was exiting the building Sunday. Yes, the very same Mellema who currently operates the Forum in Puyallup with business partner Geoff Kaylor, an operation that opened its doors over the summer.

Mellema tells me he received the keys Friday and has begun renovations inside. He's projecting to have to doors open in 60 days or so, hopefully.

Interestingly enough, the original Forum was intended to have an Irish pub theme, but veered. Instead they serve up a hearty menu primarily comprised of sandwiches and appetizers with a bar full of spirits and a decent tap list that includes local finds.

I, for one, am excited to see the Forum breathe new life into the void on Pacific Avenue.