Tibbitts @ Fern Hill

Chef Shawn Tibbitts was weeks away from opening his business before personal tragedy struck in 2017. Completely broke, Shawn put aside his restaurant dreams until he got a call from an old classmate who offered to bankroll his business. Today at Tibbitts @ Fern Hill, he is paying back that generosity and serving up delicious food. 

Shawn attracts visitors to his tiny, five-table Tacoma restaurant from miles around with his locally famous breakfast dishes, including the aptly named “Meat and Gravy Bomb” and salted caramel banana pancakes. Shawn also uses his diner to volunteer with his community.

Fun fact: Shawn regularly serves free meals on holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and even Mother’s Day.