Serving the Seattle area for over 60 years, Canlis, winner of fourteen consecutive Wine Spectator Grand Awards and three time James Beard runner up for best service in the country, is widely regarded as one of the top restaurants in the Pacific Northwest.
As a 3rd generation family-owned and run business, Canlis traces its hospitality tradition back to the early 1900s, when Nicholas Canlis was hired as a cook and steward for President Teddy Roosevelt's one year African safari. Every generation since has continued in his footsteps. In 1950 Peter Canlis brought that tradition to Seattle when he opened the restaurant that would put his mark on the nation's fine dining scene. A pioneer in the field of what is now called Northwest cuisine, Canlis continues to be at the forefront of modern cuisine and impeccable service.
In this first program of 2013 of the Family Business Legacy Series, we heard from Chris Canlis (2nd generation) and son Mark Canlis (3rd generation) about the lessons they've learned through multiple generations of leadership transition, and how they have worked together to modernize the restaurant's brand, an effort that has garnered the family business national acclaim.
There were breakout sessions and an opportunity for the families to interact and share experiences.