Huckleberry Press 040716

Page 6 Huckleberry Press April 7, 2016
Experiencing the Tribune Smokehouse
by Christina Ulrich
When people walk through the door of the Tribune
Smokehouse in Davenport, they will notice
three things: the atmosphere, the aromas wafting
from the kitchen, and the gathering of patrons. Everyone
receives a warm welcome when they come
in and a genuine “thank you” when they leave.
The Tribune Smokehouse pub-eatery opened
its doors Jan. 8, 2016, and is earning local kudos
for its delicious menu and its cozy ambience. The
smoked potato salad and cole slaw “with a kick”,
are two examples of intriguing menu options, along
with the traditional pulled pork, Reuben sandwich,
brisket dip and smoked chicken Caesar salad. Menu
items change frequently. (Hint: Ask what is not on
the menu!)
The idea of the Smokehouse manifested from
a combination of both proprietors’ interests. Peter
(“Pete”) and Debra (“Debbie”) Brickner have both
spent many years in restaurant and other service industries.
Plus, both share a passion for antiques,
up-cycling, and restoration. Together, they created a
plan to combine these interests. What they created
turned out to be the Tribune Smokehouse.
In September of 2014, the Brickners purchased
the historic 1896 building that has served Lincoln
County as everything from a pharmacy to a newspaper
printing office to taverns, such as “Roy’s” and
“Ernie’s.” The building is recognizable for its big,
round, Eastern-facing window, placed during the
Davenport Tribune era. The Brickners adopted the
nostalgia of the Tribune, hence the name: “Tribune
Smokehouse.”
The restoration process took approximately 15
months. “We wanted it to represent Lincoln County
with farm, country, and industrial,” said Debbie, “so
we have a little bit of Pete’s flavor along with Deb’s
ideas.” The Brickners have incorporated an eclectic
blend of local artifacts, donations from local artists,
up-cycled materials, and personal touches to
fashion together a truly unique place for people to
gather.
Pete has spent many hours perfecting the
meat-smoking process. “We really didn’t know, for
some time, what our menu was going to be like,”
said Debbie. “Then one day, Pete thought about
the ‘not-so-usual’ smoking of foods. So, it took off
from there.” The smoked meats, and other unique
menu items, have attracted diners from Davenport
and the area.
Davenport is a community which supports local
businesses. Many folks from the area have expressed
gratitude for a place to enjoy great food in
a cozy and family-friendly environment. “I feel we
have impacted the community in a positive way.”
said Pete. “People feel they have a gathering place
for family and friends. People like what we’ve
done.”
“Our goal for our establishment is to bring
unity to the communities around us,” states Debbie.
“It’s a place to meet up with old friends and
families.”
The Brickners have many plans for the upcoming
year. “We want to keep our doors open seven
days a week and extend our hours for the summer
months,” said Debbie. “We do have plans to expand,
so we can accommodate larger parties or hold meetings,
along with some outside seating in the nicer
weather.” Currently, the eatery is able to make some
special arrangements for groups of six or more and
request that groups try to reserve tables in advance.
The Tribune Smokehouse is located at 502
Morgan Street in Davenport. Just look for the big
round window! Current hours are Wednesday and
Thursday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday:
11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
They are also on Facebook. Call-in orders are always
welcome. 509-725-8509
Christina Ulrich has been a resident of Davenport, Washington, for approximately
three years. She is a mother and student, and works as a server at
the Tribune Smokehouse. Photos by Val Mohney.
Pete and Debbie Brickner
Pete is especially proud of the Tribune bar.
The barstools are Roy’s Tavern originals from
the 1950’s.
Tribune Smokehouse