BY NAJAH MONIQUE TODD for WEEKLY VOLCANO 3/20/26 |
After financial challenges forced the neighborhood restaurant to close, owner Mac Charles says lessons learned will shape the next chapter.
After tax troubles closed the longtime deli, owner Mac Charles says stronger systems and financial oversight will guide the future.
For years, Melon Seed Deli on Center Street was the kind of place where the music was warm, the food was comforting, and the conversations often lasted longer than the meal itself. Inside the small Central Tacoma restaurant, island rhythms played softly in the background while owner Mario “Mac” Charles greeted customers not just as patrons but as neighbors.
“My goal was simple: create a place where people could feel the love the moment they walked through the door,” Charles said. “And what better way to bring people together than through good food?”
Melon Seed Deli opened in 2013 in a small shopping plaza at 3807 Center St., serving slider sandwiches and frozen yogurt. From the beginning, Charles said he envisioned the restaurant as something rooted directly in the neighborhood rather than in a more commercial district.
“I wanted to create a place people could love worldwide, but I wanted to plant the first seed in Central Tacoma because I believe this community deserves it,” Charles said. “Instead of downtown or a mall, I wanted something accessible and rooted right in the neighborhood.”
Inside the deli, Charles worked to create an atmosphere where customers could relax and connect. Music, the menu, and the environment all played a role in shaping that experience.
“When it comes to the food, the flavors really reflect the love and appreciation we have for people and for what we do,” he said. “The atmosphere, along with the island music, creates an amazing vibe and leaves people with a memorable experience.”
Over time, Melon Seed became something of a neighborhood gathering spot.
Charles remembers one moment during the COVID-19 pandemic that captured the connection the restaurant built with its customers.
“I have a lot of favorite moments, but one that stands out was during COVID,” Charles said. “There were times when I was the only one in the restaurant working, and customers would come in not just to get food but to sit and keep me company so I wouldn’t be there alone.”
“That kind of support during such a difficult time meant a lot and really showed the heart of the community,” he added.
But running a small restaurant comes with challenges that extend beyond the kitchen.
Melon Seed closed Feb. 18 after the Washington State Department of Revenue revoked the restaurant’s reseller permit. State records show the Department of Revenue has filed multiple tax warrants against the business since 2022, and reopening would require paying off the debt and obtaining a new business license.
Charles said the situation reflected both the pressures of operating a small restaurant and the need for stronger systems as the business grew.
“The restaurant was the primary source of income, so the business depended on daily sales,” Charles said. “There were also the day-to-day complexities of running a restaurant while navigating significant personal family life matters.”
As the business expanded, he said it became clear that the internal structure needed to evolve as well.
“As the business grew, it outgrew our structure and needed stronger systems and a full team in place to support it,” Charles said. “One of the biggest lessons was gaining a deeper understanding of Washington state’s sales tax system and the importance of having professional oversight from the beginning, including a CPA, legal advisors, and the financial structure needed to sustain growth.”
Charles says those lessons will shape how the business moves forward.
“The future version of Melon Seed would be built with stronger operational systems, clearer financial management, and a structure designed for sustainability and growth from the beginning,” he said.
He added that future plans also include building a stronger leadership team and ensuring the business has enough financial stability to withstand unexpected challenges.
“To ensure that all systems are in place from the beginning,” he said. “To open with a strong team with clear roles and enough cash flow to cover unforeseen challenges.”
Charles has begun connecting with advisors and professionals who can help guide the financial side of the next phase.
“I’ve met with some experienced advisors and professionals,” he said. “And I’m still looking for advice or connections.”
Despite the setback, Charles says the support from Tacoma residents has reinforced the impact the restaurant had in the community.
“The love and support from the community during this time has meant everything to us,” he said.
Rather than viewing the closure as the end of Melon Seed, he sees it as a turning point.
“The next chapter would be about taking everything we learned from Melon Seed and building something even stronger for the community,” he said.
To help support that next chapter, Charles has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help restructure the business and explore reopening possibilities.
Community members who want to support the effort or follow the journey can visit: Gofund.me/18eefe0bf
For Charles, the encouragement from customers continues to provide motivation as he looks ahead.
“We planted the seed and have established strong roots in Tacoma,” he said. “Melon Seed has always been about the people and community.”
“The goal moving forward is to rebuild thoughtfully, with stronger systems behind the scenes, so the brand can grow and flourish and continue serving the community for many years to come.”
