New steamed bun and breakfast restaurant Tasty Bun is set to open in early March, at 829 E. Boone, in Spokane’s University District, says chef and owner Jeff Skaife. 

With a seating capacity of 16, Tasty Bun will occupy 800 square feet of usable space, and Skaife says he wants wait time for food to be only a few minutes. 

Steamed buns selections will include vegan, pulled pork, sloppy joe, and barbecue and bacon items.

Skaife, who has a culinary and kitchen management background, says he created all the recipes, tweaking with traditional cuisine. Skaife is considering implementing a delivery service, but he expects most people will order food to go.

Other dishes on the menu will include morning fare, such as a breakfast casserole with hollandaise, biscuits and gravy, and Skaife’s favorite cream cheese polenta with ham and a maple sauce. 

Customers can also add on salads and soups.

The restaurant will be next to DiNardi’s Pizza, and Skaife expects heavy student traffic. Skaife will prepare the meat for the buns ahead of time and steam fresh buns for the day every morning.

Skaife, who is also a general contractor, says he had to compromise on seating room and is still remodeling the space and adding fresh paint. 

Once Tasty Bun opens, he expects to have a team of five employees comprised of three full-time and two part-time workers.

Skaife says he wants Tasty Bun to be a fun, relaxed environment.

“We’re not taking it too seriously, but the food’s really serious,” Skaife says.