German deli opens 6 days a week

Maybe it's the sun and summer-like weather, or maybe it's the success of opening his dream restaurant, but Sequim resident Tom Heinz is absolutely glowing.

Maybe it’s the sun and summer-like weather, or maybe it’s the success of opening his dream restaurant, but Sequim resident Tom Heinz is absolutely glowing.

The Sauer Kraut, a German deli and bakery, celebrated its soft opening last Friday after passing its health inspection with flying colors – and zero violations.

A grand opening celebration will be announced.

Upon walking through the glass doors with "Wilkommen" etched on them, customers are greeted by upbeat music and the smell of freshly baked goodies.

Originally set to open last December, Heinz experienced several setbacks along the way.

But after months of determination and "jumping through hoops," the bakery/deli/catering business/cooking school is open – complete with a performance stage, clock tower, upstairs and downstairs seating, and rotisserie.

Cooking demonstrations and hands-on classes will start on Monday and Wednesday evenings in June.

Heinz, who is partnering with his wife, Laurel, and brother Daniel Heinz, decided he wanted to open a community events center several years ago but had to get his "ducks in a row," so to speak.

"I went through one of those changes in life and went to culinary school," said Heinz, who had worked as a computer programmer for 20 years.

After working as a sous-chef at The Evergreen State College in Olympia and later a banquet chef at 7 Cedars Casino and teaching cooking classes at Peninsula College, Heinz was ready to go out on his own.

Staying true to his roots, Heinz knew he wanted to open a German-themed establishment but admits to offering several international items on the menu, including pulled pork sandwiches, French dips, Kaiser dogs and Australian meat pies.

The restaurant is available for rent and has a projector and screen for business meetings.

On and off-site catering

is offered.

Business hours are 6 a.m.-

6 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

For more information, call 582-1400.

Ashley Miller can be reached at ashleyo@sequim gazette.com.