When Millhouse and The Blind Pig first opened in May 2022, at 2515 N Proctor St. in Tacoma, Owner John Ross was intent on the restaurant having a genuine wood-fired pizza oven. But it wasn’t in the cards from day one. Instead, the plan was to upgrade to the new oven within the first two years of opening.
Ahead of schedule, and with a mission to provide more timely service and better pizzas, Ross is expediting the upgrade plans, the restauranteur tells What Now Seattle.
“It will bring a better, more consistent pizza,” Ross said. “A better ambience with more character and will better compliment the bar, which we have learned since opening is what the neighborhood wants.”
Currently in permitting with the City of Tacoma, Millhouse and The Blind Pig’s upcoming installation will require opening a wall between the kitchen and dining area, which in turn will create an open-kitchen-concept layout.
The general seating area will be getting its own facelift among the kitchen’s new design to better compliment the bar with black ceilings and walls, new light fixtures, and wall art, Ross said. According to the permit filing, this all is estimated to cost $35,000.
When the new oven arrives, Millhouse and The Blind Pig will be shutdown for a total of seven days — five days for oven curing and two days needed to allow staff the opportunity to become efficient with their new kitchen setup and appliance. Ross was unable to provide approximate dates for the short closing.