Tides Tavern Celebrates Transition from Stanley Family to Anthony's Restaurants | Gig Harbor

Some places carry more weight than others.

Tides Tavern is one of those places. It’s been part of Gig Harbor for decades—somewhere people return to again and again, whether they grew up nearby or just discovered it along the waterfront.

So when ownership transitions, it matters.

A Long History on the Harbor

Tides Tavern has been a fixture in Gig Harbor since the 1970s under the Stanley family. Over time, it became one of those places people associate directly with the town itself.

According to reporting from Gig Harbor Now, it’s hard to separate the identity of the harbor from the Tides. It’s been that consistent.

That kind of reputation doesn’t come from marketing. It comes from time, consistency, and people showing up.

The Transition to Anthony’s

Anthony’s Restaurants has taken over ownership, but the direction isn’t to change what Tides is.

From Anthony’s side, CEO Amy Burns shared that they see the Tides as something to take care of, not reinvent—calling it a “treasured part of the Gig Harbor community.” (Anthony’s website)

From the Stanley family, there’s been the same intention. Coverage from King 5 and The News Tribune emphasized that the goal is to keep what people already love intact—staff, menu, and overall feel—while continuing the business forward.

This isn’t a reset. It’s a continuation.

The Soft Opening

I photographed the soft opening marking the transition, and it felt like a moment in between two chapters.

I arrived early for a staff photo on the back deck. The sun was setting behind the building, lighting the harbor in that soft, even way you hope for but can’t plan.

There was just one problem.

Walter, the sea lion, had taken over the dock—exactly where I needed to stand.

So we adjusted. I shifted my position, worked around him, and we kept going. At one point I got a shot of him looking straight toward me. Cutie pie.

What Stood Out

The tone of the evening was steady.

There was some excitement, but more than that there was awareness. People understood what this place represents. Staff, ownership, and guests all seemed to approach the evening with that in mind.

It didn’t feel like something ending. It felt like something beginning again!

Why This Kind of Event Matters to Document

Moments like this don’t repeat.

They’re part of a business’s timeline—the point where something shifts but still holds onto what it’s been.

For a restaurant like Tides, that matters not just internally, but publicly. These are the moments people look back on later. They become part of the story.

Capturing them well means showing the space, the vibe, the guests interacting, expressions, emotions, the gifts and food.

That’s the difference between having photos and having a record of the moment.

Moving Forward

Tides Tavern is staying where it is, doing what it’s always done.

Same location. Same view. Same role in the community.

Just a new chapter under different ownership.

Why Photography Matters

Having the Sage and Soul Team come and provide photo and video services at your grand opening or other event is important because this provides you high quality marketing content for your socials, website and press release.

You put all your time, energy and resources in to an event like this - don't let is pass by undocumented!