Township 20 — Restaurant in Sumner

1st trip to Township: during the soft opening, our experience was lovely and food was really good. I was impressed by how smooth the operation was, especially considering it had just opened. I was also personally excited to have some veg & GF options.

2nd trip to Township: terrible overall experience, I will likely not return, which is unfortunate as I have grown up in this town, work in the town, and love to support small businesses. Today, my friend and I left feeling extremely unwelcomed and embarrassed. We came for lunch on a Monday with our three pups and her baby. Right as we were arriving, an older couple walked in behind us and said "ugh we definitely aren't sitting by the dogs" so they sat inside while we were out on the porch. Our three dogs (all under 30 lbs) are very friendly puppies, one two year old and the others one year old. After we ordered our food/drinks, we were enjoying the afternoon after a long walk and our dogs were being dogs, one of them barking occasionally as they watched traffic and people buzz by the front patio. We were about halfway through our meal when one of the staff members walked out and told us that customers inside were complaining about our dogs and as a part of their "Township policy" is that they don't allow "aggressive dogs" on the patio and unfortunately "barking" falls under the label of "aggressive." I responded by asking if she was telling us we need to leave because our dogs were simply being dogs, to which she just stared at me and walked away. No apology, no offer to pack up the rest of our food or an offer to allow us to finish our meal (I still had over half of my cider left, we both had half of our food left). So we unfortunately and promptly left (me, in tears). I'd also like to note that there was no warning of our dogs being disruptive, which they weren't, but a second chance would have been nice.

A couple of takeaways: --For a new business who is very eager to market themselves as "dog friendly" on social media -- clearly you're not. So if you have a dog who barks occasionally (?) don't bring them to Township unless you enjoy being publicly humiliated in front of an audience of customers --As a business, you can't value some customers more than others. The other couple clearly didn't want us there as was made clear before they even made it to their table, and at the first chance, the staff took their complaint, and told us to leave -- the staff could have also reminded the other couple that they were a "dog friendly...

If you're an introvert, this is your place. No need to actually interact or talk with employees due to the use of QR codes on tables to order. As with other reviews posted this, this is should not be the norm. Employees don't seem to know how to react/respond if people just sit down without phones.

Here are a couple of observations Empty glasses are cleared without asking if another beverage is wanted. If I'm having a conversation with my wife or friends, I don't want to stop to pull out my phone to order another beverage. Employees look disinterested and seem to interact more with each other than they do with guests. The longest conversation we've had with any employee, was with a cook who came out from the kitchen to refill his water. Manager sitting on the floor behind the bar checking her laptop while it's busy, why? Beer selection is decent but needs more variety. On a more positive side note, it nice that they actually sell white wine (IYKYK).

The one time we did have food (grilled cheese), the sandwich was dry and bland. It looked like they used no butter on the bread at all. Additionally, I had to bus the table to make room for our guests despite an employee walking past the table numerous times noting the plates stacked.

As for the atmosphere, it's nice to have a place to sit outside enjoy a beverage and watch a sporting event on TV. Parking can be problematic during busy times, but with school out you can use school parking spaces. Overall, Township 20 is a nice and welcomed addition to downtown Sumner, just need to figure out a better balance of using QR codes and good old fashioned table...

This is my 5th time here. Twice with my family and kiddo and 3 times with just friends. Atmosphere: they did an amazing job building this place out. It is comfortable inside but let’s talk about the OUTSIDE! The misters on a hot day were life changing. The mist cooled us off without us getting wet at all! Not even a drop on the table. They play the Mariners games which is awesome. Go M’s! I also love people watching out front. Food: the food is unique, delicious and refreshing. Sumner and Puyallup are cursed with fast food and basic menus. I’ve tried something new every time and been impressed! Drinks: holy crap! I bartended for 12 years specializing in prohibition craft cocktails. This place is a SHOCK! Their Mai Tais are better than the ones in Hawaii and they obviously don’t hate making mojitos because they are made perfectly! Staff: these guys rock!! I’m a small pizza shop owner myself and staffing is very difficult. I’m sitting here now and these guys are slammed! They are all working as a team and rocking this place out. Front of the house and back of the house look like their having a blast! A team like this is incredibly hard to find and keep. Major kudos to you all including the ownership that they obviously love working for. I rarely write reviews but my experience in the moment and my past few visits make it pretty much impossible for me not to share my experience. I only hope if you all take my advice and come in for a visit that I don’t make it to where there is no longer a place for me to sit! Keep doing exactly what you’re doing...