There’s a whole lotta’ homecooking going on at Sully’s Alder Street Café in Sumner – as in sandwiches, burgers, cheesecakes and rhubarb pies.

And that has Brian Britton and Ruby Iribarren, its 30-something owners, feeling right at home.

The husband-and-wife team, who also own Lucky’s Hot Dog Diner in Puyallup, purchased the turn-key business May 31.

“I’d been looking for another restaurant,” Britton said. “Basically, I walked in here and loved it.”

That love has turned out to be a two-way street, with patrons claiming Britton’s Philly cheesesteak sandwich as their favorite.

“We serve it ‘cuz I’m a Philly native and I’ve gotta’ bring in the real stuff,” Britton said with a smile. As with everything on the menu, the meat is fresh – never frozen.

Other customer favorites include Sully’s Reuben sandwiches and hamburgers made from fresh, hand-formed patties. Diners who prefer healthier alternatives to traditional burgers can order steamed burgers – an idea that comes from Maryland and cooked via a steam box to shed excess fat.

“It’s basically a White Castle full-style burger,” he said.

For salad lovers, Sully’s makes its chicken salad from fresh processed chicken. Its produce – like all of its produce – is hand-selected daily from local growers by Britton.

Britton gained some of his cooking experience at a culinary arts institute in Sacramento, Calif. This fall he’ll expand that knowledge by taking a nine-month course at the Kitchen Academy Seattle in Tukwila, Wash.

While he knows it will be tough to work both restaurants and further his education, it’s a goal he’s excited about.

“There are many world-renowned people who have studied there,” he said.

Sully’s may have only opened its doors six weeks ago but its tables are already filling up with regular patrons -- including seniors, church attendees coming in after services and law enforcement officers.

“We get a mix of everybody, but we’re also getting a younger crowd, which is great for us,” Britton said.

One factor that may be adding to the younger set is Sully’s made-from-scratch menu that carries tempting desserts – like Britton’s made-from-scratch New York cheesecakes and rhubarb pies.

“I’ve been told we have the best rhubarb pies in town,” he said.

Those desserts – and all of Sully’s other selections – aren’t reserved just for lunch fare.

“We open at 7 a.m. for breakfast,” he said. “If you want to come in at 7 and get a burger, you’re gonna’ get it.”

Sully’s Alder Street Café is at 909 Alder Ave., Suite 3, in Sumner. Its hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

The phone number is 253-891-0568.

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