A group of five investors with prior restaurant experience has opened a restaurant and bar called the Cascadia Public House in a commercial space in the Five Mile area where the Tonicx Bar & Patio and Ash St. Tacos formerly operated.

One of the owners, Jordan Smith, says the group is leasing the combined 2,700-square-foot space at 6314 N. Ash through a company named Bridge City LLC.

He says the other owners include the father-son team of John and Johnny Oliver, who formerly owned JJ’s Grill & Brewhouse in the Indian Trail neighborhood; Johnny’s brother, Justin Oliver; and Robby Hatch. Justin Oliver also became involved in the ownership at JJ’s, and Smith and Hatch formerly worked there. 

Of the space where Cascadia Public House is located, which is just east across Ash Street from the Five Mile Plaza shopping center, Smith says, “We’ve been completely remodeling it, from the ceiling to the floor. It’s been opened up, so it’s not like two separate spaces. It’s got a really unique bar top; it’s like a work of art.” The owners did the remodeling work themselves, he says. 

As for the menu, he says, “We’re really kind of going the farm-to-table route” and to emphasize “fresh Northwest fare.” He adds, “We’re working really hard to keep everything as close to home as possible and as fresh as possible. We’re really just trying to get that Northwest vibe.”

Burgers, steak, salmon, and sandwiches are among the entrees, along with “a lot of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options,” Smith says. Meanwhile, the bar has 10 beer taps, dominated by regional brews, and also offers a handful of craft cocktails, he says.

Cascadia is keeping the two roll-up garage doors that Tonicx opened up for patio seating during warm-weather months, and also has two bar-height, eight-person fire pits and a fireplace, Smith says. Along with all of the owners, the restaurant probably will employ about 25 people, mostly part time, he says.