Every community needs a place where everybody knows your name. The familiarity is all the better accompanied by eggs, bacon and conversations about all things political.

There exists in Poulsbo a group of people who like their conversations as heated as their morning cup of coffee. When the tragic loss of the Kingston Inn in September 2005 shook the community, those who breakfasted there moved to Mitzel’s. Through a second, bizarre twist of fate, Mitzel’s also burned down in May 2006.

For 18 months, those with the daily need for grits and issues have been searching for a home base.

Hope bloomed eternal that void would be filled when Taprock opens on Feb. 4 in the space formerly occupied by Mitzel’s. But alas, it is not yet to be. When Taprock opens, it won’t be serving breakfast.

At least not initially.

According to Taprock Marketing Manager Jill King, Elmer’s Restaurants Inc. — the owner of both the Mitzel’s chain and Taprock — wants to try something different in Poulsbo.

Different is new and exciting, but there’s also something to be said for the comfort of routine.

Taprock will start with a tempting menu full of lunch, dinner and dessert delights, and decide on any future changes based on community need.

If the community speaks up about the need for a morning gathering place, Taprock just might listen.

With some gentle prodding, we can make it clear that Taprock’s opening is about more than a good steak — it’s about needing a place where all are accepted and no conversation is off limits. It’s about the need to revive decades of tradition.

Let’s welcome Taprock with open arms, hungry stomachs and a full suggestion box.