“The building was in a lot of disrepair, so we were the lucky ones that thought it was enticing enough to put our time, energy, and effort into it. We renovated it for eleven months with friends and family helping us,” Amanda said. “Even our daughter, who was four at the time, laid transition strips and sanded boards. It was definitely an all-hands-on-deck experience.”
The Cavitts utilized local support systems to launch their business like QuickBooks and social media classes from the Tillamook Bay Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The business utilized the Economic Development Council of Tillamook County’s (EDC) Revolving Loan fund with a loan match from the United States Department of Agriculture.
“It was those funds that really allowed us to do what we’ve done here,” Amanda said. After relocating to their new, 140-seat home, the Garibaldi Portside Bistro is still just as busy as ever. “Weekend after weekend, we are stacked with people,” Amanda said. “Dennis and I would stand there and say: ‘We can’t believe it. How is this happening?’ There were 45-minute waitlists. People were having all their big moments here: anniversaries, birthdays, proposals and wedding parties. We started making connections and friendships with people that we didn’t imagine being able to do so otherwise.”
Their restaurant renovation and investment earned them “2020 Development Project of the Year” at the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce Community Awards. “Looking back, we were one of the newer, bigger things happening in the county and we didn’t know it,” Amanda said. “I really feel like we were a catalyst for other people to be inspired to try and open, reinvent, or invest in their own things.”
Since the beginning, the Cavitts have striven to differentiate themselves. “We really did some thinking about what was already in the area,” Amanda said. “Dennis thought fishers would want to get off the boat and have a good burger, some ribs or some brisket. So, we focused on smoked meats.”
And those were a hit, with more than just fishers. During peak season, the Garibaldi Portside Bistro can serve more than 3,000 people in a week.
“Dennis really thinks about what customers are going to want, but he likes to get really creative,” Amanda said. “We have our staples, and then we bring new things on. Just like an artist wants to create new things.”
The blueberry goat cheese burger is a staple and perennial fan favorite, remaining a top seller at the bistro for the last seven years.
“It is the most photographed and reviewed guest item. It’s not going anywhere,” Amanda said. Newly added items to the menu this season include: a marinated tomato and artichoke burger, chicken teriyaki bowl, and a pork belly salad. The restaurant also works to serve products from their literal neighbors, with Oregon Seaweed grown at the port used as a garnish and topping in poke bowls, and fresh Dungeness crab and albacore tuna fresh off the boat when in season.
Garibaldi Portside Bistro won the 2024 Tillamook Headlight Herald’s Reader’s Choice Awards for “Best Dinner” in Tillamook County. They also were also voted third place for restaurant atmosphere and third place for waterfront dining.
But it’s more than their menu or renovated space that the Cavitts believe has created successful longevity. As a couple, they see the strengths in each other. Dennis is a professionally trained chef, while Amanda is experienced with management. “Being business partners and being spouses, you see the best and the worst in each other. We wouldn’t be where we are today if we didn’t have each other,” Amanda said. “You’re not always going to be on the same page…but, you have to have the same end goal.”
Their end goal? “To make people feel like they are walking into their home when they come here and that they’re going to get good food,” Amanda said. The pair also encourages new entrepreneurs starting out in the county to get take advantage of local organizations and resources.
“Reach out to your Chamber. Reach out to Tillamook Bay Community College, SBDC, EDC,” Amanda said. “Don’t be shy to ask people about things or for help. That’s what drew us to a small community: people are always eager to help you. That’s a big part of our success.”
Three years ago, Dennis and Amanda purchased their second business: Barview Jetty Store. They have also invested in rental housing that is utilized by their workforce. Garibaldi Portside Bistro is currently open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Kids eat free on Tuesday. Trivia nights are the last Thursday of the month. For updated hours and information, visit portsidebistro.com or follow Garibaldi Portside Bistro on social media. The Garibaldi Portside Bistro is located at 307 Mooring Basin Drive, Garibaldi.
This series is provided by the Economic Development Council of Tillamook County to highlight thriving businesses in Tillamook County. The EDCTC works to strengthen and grow the economy of Tillamook County by working together with public and private partners. The EDCTC works to attract new business, grow and retain existing businesses while supporting entrepreneurship and innovation. For more information, or to reach out to the EDCTC, visit edctc.com.
