Maxine’s & The Well plans to open in December at 3504 E. McKinley Ave. in Tacoma. Co-owner and chef Craig Tronset told What Now Seattle that he and business partner Kylie Agostini hope to open before the holidays.
The restaurant will take over the former Fergie’s on the Ave, which closed in August. Tronset and Agostini plan to keep the two-part format, with Maxine’s offering diner and brunch service and The Well operating as the adjoining tavern.
Tronset said they are “not going full fine dining,” but will put more care into the ingredients and prepare food from scratch. Both owners have worked in fine dining and met at Corbeau, where Tronset led the kitchen and Agostini managed the bar program.
Agostini named Maxine’s after her grandmother.
The menu is still taking shape. Tronset said the kitchen’s refrigeration capacity and Pierce County health requirements will determine what they can prepare in the space. Early plans call for brunch, small and medium plates, and regular specials, according to The News Tribune.
Agostini will oversee the drinks at The Well. Tronset said customers can expect the same approach she brought to the bar programs at Corbeau and Hilltop Kitchen.
The owners are stripping the interior back to the walls and plan to repaint and replace the flooring. Maxine’s will have a lighter look, while The Well will be darker, The News Tribune reported.
The owners plan to reveal more details as the opening gets closer. Follow Maxine’s & The Well on Instagram for updates.
