When Carrie Stalder, owner of Manic Meatballs, made the decision to open her own restaurant in early 2020, she knew it was going to be a tough go for the first few years. But who could have imagined then what the next two years would bring?
Other less brave people may have thrown in the towel when pandemic issues were taking out seasoned restaurants, but not Stalder. “It was by far the hardest year of my life, but it was so worth it,” she said.
Opened in December 2020, the restaurant, located just outside Joint Base Lewis-McChord, features recipes from her husband’s mother which have been perfected with the assistance of a corporate chef. Three types of meatballs — including a delicious bacon-wrapped option — make up the heart of the menu. Served with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, each meatball meal includes two additional sides for you to choose from including deviled eggs, baked beans, macaroni shells and cheese, plus several more. And for dessert, you don’t want to miss the chocolate coconut balls.
Through thoughtful and consistent implementation, Manic Meatballs has been expanding with the help of two food trucks lovingly known as Margo and Miles (as in miles to go), plus operations at the Washington State Fair in Puyallup. According to Stalder, “I really love the growth opportunities and understand if you do something well, you can keep prices low and be successful.”
Stalder believes fun revolves around food and that shows throughout her restaurant. From framed lyrics of her favorite songs hanging on the walls, to a cute kids’ Viking-style play ship and Leah (the store’s Shield Maiden mascot), the restaurant is designed to emanate positive vibes. As a former healthcare worker, Stalder wants to create environments where people feel comfortable. Her business model includes a plan to donate 2% of all profits to local mental health charities and causes.
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Manic Meatballs
manicmeatballs.com
LYNN CASTLE