New owner acquires Tribune Smokehouse

DAVENPORT – The Tribune Smokehouse, a local eatery and pub, has been sold. On Dec. 20, current owners Pete and Debbie Brickner will turn the business over to Katrina Coskie, who will rename it Tribune Provisions.

When the Brickners opened the business in 2016, it was their intent to run it until Pete retired in Jan. 2025 from his day job as facilities/groundskeeper supervisor with Lincoln County. As that date drew near, the Brickners searched for a new owner who could take their business and care for it as they did.

"I prayed that someone in their 30s to late 40s would come along," Debbie said. "I wanted someone with a lot of energy, a bubbly personality and a new vision to buy the business and take it to the next level."

In June 2024, Debbie's prayers were answered when Coskie moved to Davenport and walked into the restaurant looking for a job.

"I had been living in Burien and wanted to put down roots in a small town with a slower pace," Coskie said. "I wanted to meet people in town so gave the Brickners my application."

Coskie's father was a career Navy man, so as a child she moved from town to town. She graduated from Southern Mississippi University with a degree in English and spent most of her career working in San Francisco, first at Apple and then for a startup company where she oversaw the operations at 25 nationwide locations.

"My skills are in leadership, and I want to put them to use owning my business," she said.

After the Brickners turn over the keys to the building on Dec. 20, the doors will be closed until Tribune Provisions opens the second week of January.

"We will have a soft opening in January and then a grand re-opening in the spring," she said.

Coskie will provide a family-friendly environment with a traditional menu.

"I want my business to be event focused and wish to create a positive experience for both kids and adults," she said. "I appreciate what the Brickners have created and want to honor the business's past, while adding a modern spin which will include a colorful flare."

Selling the business has been bittersweet for the Brickners.

"We are so thankful to the community for their support," Debbie said. "It is because of them that we could be in business as long as we were. We have made so many friends and will miss them the most. We hope as many people as possible come by before Dec. 19 so that we can say goodbye."

Before the January reopening, Coskie is accepting applications for a cook and other "multi-skilled people." Inquiries can be made by contacting Croskie at Tribune Provisions @gmail.com.

Coskie appreciates the Brickners for entrusting her with their business and will honor all gift cards sold by the Tribune Smokehouse.