Locust Cider’s Gig Harbor Taproom Has a New Owner
At its peak, Locust Cider operated more than a dozen taprooms across three states — Washington, Colorado, and Texas. That was the high-water mark. In 2024, the company closed seven locations, and by December 2025, we were reporting on even more closures. Until recently, Gig Harbor was the last one standing. Now, even that taproom has changed hands.
“After a lot of thought, we’ve made the difficult decision to step away as owners of the taproom,” said Locust Cider owners Jason and Rebecca Spears in a Facebook post. “The doors will stay open, the staff you know and love will still be behind the bar, the games will keep running, and Locust Cider will still be on tap.”
Pinball wizards, rest easy and relax your subtle wrists — the arcade vibe isn’t going anywhere. If anything, reports suggest the new owner plans to expand on it. And Locust Cider itself isn’t disappearing either. The company will keep making cider; it’s simply getting out of the taproom business.
The new owner is Arthur Rodenhauser, who also owns Joysticks, a highly rated, 100% gluten-free restaurant in Auburn. Joysticks opened in summer 2023 as an indoor food truck concept and has since grown to include a retro arcade, indoor mini-golf, and a collectible card shop. That whole concept is now making its way to Gig Harbor under a new name: Harbor Hideout.
“We live here, and this place has become a real gathering spot for our town,” Jason and Rebecca said. “So we took our time finding the right person to carry it forward. The owner behind Joysticks in Auburn has officially taken over operations. He’s keeping our amazing staff, building on what’s already here, and expanding the gaming at the Harborcade at Locust Cider.”
“We’ll keep making the cider you love and selling it wholesale, so you’ll still find it on tap at the Harbor Hideout and at bars, restaurants, and stores around the region. We just won’t be running any taprooms of our own.”
Want us to share your news here on the Washington Beer Blog? Click here to learn how to reach us.
