JW is ‘Just Wonderful’ @ the Boatyard

The debut of JW @ the Boatyard could not have enjoyed better timing. Between the popular Paddlers Cup on opening weekend and the shorts-and-sandals weather that followed, the new food trolley served an ocean of delicious meals its first week.

Opening week for JW @ the Boatyard “was just phenomenal,” said Joe Winniford, owner of JW Restaurant and operator of the red food trolley at Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard.  Summer-like weather brought thousands of people to the downtown waterfront to take in the sights and activities along the harbor. They flocked to the newly-opened trolley on Harborview Drive with its tantalizing aromas of 7 Seas beer-battered cod and chips, lobster rolls, apple cider pulled pork and a lot more.

“We really put some food out, I’ll tell you” — JW owner Joe Winniford

Opening week of JW @ the Boatyard enjoyed wonderful support from the Gig Harbor community, said Joe Winniford, owner of JW @ the Boatyard.

“It was wonderful, absolutely wonderful,” said Winniford as he sat at a picnic table next to the trolley this week. “I should say ‘just wonderful’ because my wife always says JW stands for ‘Just Wonderful.’ We were overwhelmed by the response from the community.  They were perfect, the weather was perfect.”

JW @ the Boatyard, “Gig Harbor’s Food Trolley,” opened on April 1, right before the Paddlers Cup in the harbor April 2-3. Jamie Lindsey, JW general manager, said the trolley served more than 100 people each day during the annual paddle competition sponsored by the Gig Harbor Canoe & Kayak Race Team.  The numbers had to be close to that each day of the trolley’s first week, too, as warm weather drew people to the public dock and Skansie Brothers Park next door.

JW owners Joe and Karen Winniford stand in front of the food trolley as it prepared to open on April 1. In the trolley, Alisha Wederski, left, and Laura Carlson are ready to hand orders through the window.

“We really put some food out, I’ll tell you,” said Winniford. “We’re working on our timing and we’ll get there. It’s like bringing a new baby home; we’re just brand new and there’s a learning curve. This is a new venture — it’s not JW Restaurant, that’s for sure,” he added, referring to the quiet, intimate setting of his restaurant at the other end of Harborview Drive.  JW Restaurant offers creative comfort cuisine and has been voted “Best Romantic Dinner” in the South Sound for it’s leisurely, personal dining experience.

Opening week of JW @ the Boatyard was ‘just phenomenal’ — Joe Winniford, owner

A delicious menu awaits customers at JW @ the Boatyard. Be sure to try a Whidbey Island Ice Cream Bar.

But for food on the go around the harbor, you can’t beat JW @ the Boatyard. Take it to-go or enjoy it at the picnic tables and grassy area next to the trolley. JW @ the Boatyard is open seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. to dusk.

“The support from the community has been overwhelming,” said Winniford. “And Ron (Roark, owner and general manager of Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard) is just the best partner I could ask for. Danielle (Taylor, marina hospitality manager) is absolutely wonderful as well. She rocks it.”

Come on down to the boatyard and check out what is new in the heart of the Gig Harbor waterfront.