TACOMA, Wash. - (Business Wire) The tide will be in, the tables set and the outdoor tents will be up as Harbor Lights prepares to make a splash to commemorate its 50th Anniversary this Thursday, Aug. 13. The evening party will spill out onto the restaurant’s 2761 Ruston Way street front in celebration from 5-7 p.m. Local dignitaries such as Congressman Norm Dicks, restaurant staff (past and present), longtime customers and the Ruston community will take part in the private, invitation-only festivities. Regular, dinner service will continue in the dining room. “Harbor Lights brings Tacoma a dining legacy synonymous with quality seafood and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere,” Lane Hoss said, vice president of marketing for Anthony’s Restaurants. “We’re proud to celebrate the restaurant’s 50th year with our valued community, guests and associates.”
Although Ruston has evolved over the past 50 years and the neighboring, original waterfront businesses have nearly all disappeared, Harbor Lights’ approachable menu, familiar service and relaxed setting have endured. Owned by Anthony’s Restaurants since 2000, the restaurant still operates in the esteem of an independent concept, maintaining its multi-generational seafood menu, served in a casual setting.
Harbor Lights’ late founder Anton Barcott, a Yugoslavian immigrant, had formerly operated California Oyster House in Tacoma, opened in 1919 by his father John Barcott Senior. Harbor Lights opened in Jan. 1959, just north of the Old Tacoma Dock. Its main dining room was constructed on pilings over Commencement Bay, overlooking enduring Mount Rainier and the Cascade Mountain Range views.
In 1959, Harbor Lights’ all-electric, exhibition kitchen was decidedly modern; the restaurant boasted a charcoal broiler pit at a time when barbecued entrees were considered au courant. Menu examples on opening day included many still-beloved classics such as Filet Mignon ($3.50), Barbecue Lamb Chops ($2.50), Seasonal Columbia River Smelt ($2.50), Cracked Crab ($2.50) and several preparations of Willapoint and Olympia Oysters ($2.50-3.50 per entrée).
Barcott’s daughter, LaMoyne (Mrs. John) Hreha, worked for many years alongside her father and later took over Harbor Lights until selling the business to Anthony’s Restaurants in 2000. Hreha insisted as a term of her sale to Anthony’s that the Harbor Lights name, menus, staff and traditions be left intact. Anthony’s ownership respectfully honored the many traditions and original character of the restaurant. Today, its Tacoma guests will find the same dishes as always along with new favorites.
Discover Harbor Lights at 2761 North Ruston Way, Tacoma; phone 253-752-8600. Lunch is served Monday to Saturday: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; dinner hours are Monday to Thursday, 4 – 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4 – 10:30 p.m.; Sunday hours are noon – 9 p.m. and an early bird dinner menu is available Monday to Friday, 3 – 6 p.m.
About Anthony’s Restaurants
Anthony’s Restaurants owns and operates a family of 24 waterfront restaurants in 19 locations throughout the Pacific Northwest. From classic 'to-go' eateries to casual dining and relaxed dinner houses, Anthony’s core commitment to fresh Northwest seafood, complemented by local produce, Northwest wines and microbrews, is the foundation for each restaurant. Anthony’s Restaurants is a privately held company owned by a partnership of Seattle native, Budd Gould, the Gould family and members of Anthony’s senior management team. Incorporated in 1972, the company operates under the corporate title of Mad Anthony’s Inc. Anthony’s employs over 2,000 team members of which more than 120 are members of the Anthony’s “Ten Year Club”. Anthony’s Restaurants has achieved national industry recognition and commendations for community service. Anthony’s is proud of its continuing commitment to quality and value, which has made it the place for fresh Northwest seafood throughout the Pacific Northwest. Learn more at http://www.anthonys.com.
Tamara Wilson for Harbor Lights
206-838-8977
tamaraw@tamarawilson.com
or
Lane Hoss, Anthony’s Restaurants
425-455-0732
lane@anthonys.com
