According to a recent permit filing, Grann has filed for a Tacoma location at 2715 6th Avenue.
Grann will replace what was once home to The Table. Behind Grann are chef Reginald Jacob Howell and barbecue pitmaster Denzel Johnson. Grann is described as “A Black-Owned Southern BBQ, Creole, and Indian Fusion Coming Early 2025.”
“After buying the business and equipment from The Table’s chef-owner Derek Bray, Howell and Johnson will open Grann Restaurant at 2717 6th Ave. Fresh off a sold-out pop-up featuring some of their planned dishes, the duo has promised a few more special events as they flex toward an early 2025 debut,” an article from The News Tribune states.
“With Johnson’s experience grilling and smoking — especially with his uncle’s roving Hawaiian restaurant that was an early vendor at events like Bite of Seattle and Taste of Tacoma — there will be smoked meats, but also smoke in other forms, infused into barbecue sauces and vinegars.”
“There will likely be a from-scratch pasta and several vegetarian options, marrying flavors and ingredients from Indian, Creole and Caribbean cooking — “spices for days,” Howell said. Johnson was raised in Kent, but some family in Texas influenced his culinary exploration. Through his catering business, Oopsie Fusion Grill, he has found fans of specialties, such as teriyaki ribs and jerk-spiced brisket.”
“Grann is a “play on grandma or gran-gran,” explained Howell, who led the kitchen at en Rama for several years before moving to upscale sports bar, Legion, in Bellevue and then Arleana’s, a Caribbean-French restaurant in Kirkland. “A lot of inspiration comes from the women in our life, our aunties. We want to honor that aspect and bridge tradition.”
