Upscale deli opens new chapter in Tri-Cities dining near CBC
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- Non-Fiction opened Nov. 21 in Pasco near the airport and CBC.
- Founders John Bookwalter and Jeffrey Ballard launched the deli.
- The new business builds on the Bookwalter family wine business, founded in Pasco.
The famed Bookwalter wine-and-dining brand has opened its much-anticipated new location in Pasco.
Non-Fiction, an upscale deli, opened quietly on Nov. 21, shortly after passed its health department inspection.
Non-Fiction sandwiches, soup, coffee, snacks, baked goods and will sell beer and wine once it receives its liquor license, which is pending.
It is at 2713 N. 20th Ave., in Pasco’s Conover Park near Columbia Basin College. Hours are 6 a.m.-8 p.m., daily.
Non-Fiction is the brainchild of John Bookwalter, owner of J. Bookwalter Wines and two Richland restaurants, and Jeffrey Ballard, his restaurant operations manager.
The new business builds on the Bookwalter family wine business, which was founded in Pasco before it moved to its quarters in south Richland.
The deli and market took over space that was originally meant to house a coffee bar. When that plan fell through, the owner of the complex contacted Bookwalter for ideas about using it.
Bookwalter and Ballard saw a sea of potential customers.
Columbia Basin College is across the street. It is near the entrance to the Tri-Cities Airport and is surrounded by hotels and office complexes. Sun Willows Golf Course is nearby.
The men created a new business plan and recycled a familiar name, once attached to a food truck Bookwalter operated in tandem with his restaurant business.
Menu specialties include book-themed sandwiches such as The Best Seller (turkey, bacon, provolone) The Editor’s Pick (roast beef, Swiss, horseradish cream), The Biography (grilled chicken, bacon, Gouda, avocado) and The Almanac (a veggie sandwich with bell peppers, red onion, zucchini/squash, feta, hummus).
Prices start at $5.50 for a half sandwich and $9 for a whole one.
Sandwiches are served on house-made bread and can be ordered with soup. CBC students and staff get 10% discounts with ID.
Non-Fiction operates under the Bookwalter corporate umbrella, Chapter Two Hospitality.
This story was originally published November 22, 2025 at 5:00 AM.