Downtown Olympia's 1889 Prime Steakhouse has a new leader in the kitchen. The Fifth Avenue restaurant named Joe Rumberger as executive chef in July, tapping a veteran of Tumwater's dining scene to steer its menu into a fourth year.

Rumberger most recently operated Bar C'est L'eau, the French bistro at the Tumwater Craft District on Capitol Boulevard SE that closed after its final service on Sunday, May 10. Before that, he ran Bastard Pies, a pizza food truck also based in Tumwater.

The restaurant said in a press release quoted in The Olympian's July 31 business roundup that Rumberger will lead the culinary program with a focus on seasonality, local partnerships, and technique while honoring the steakhouse's existing foundation.

In that same July 31 announcement, Rumberger said he is drawn to the region's beef, seafood, and artisan products, and described his goal as building a steakhouse experience that celebrates the Pacific Northwest.

Managing partner Drew MacEwen, who also serves as a Washington state senator, framed the hire as part of the anniversary milestone.

The steakhouse opened in July 2023 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the ground-floor space of the Views On Fifth building.

It has multiple owners beyond MacEwen.

Throughout August 2026, 1889 Prime plans to mark the third anniversary with special menu features, behind-the-scenes content, employee spotlights, and community celebrations, according to the restaurant.