Even on a brisk, early Spring day, finding an open table at Old Stove Brewing Company is a competitive game, by no serendipitous coincidence. Mike Mackley, Director of Hospitality, with more than 20 years of experience in the bustle of Pike Place Market, is a force that makes Old Stove an enticing spot for an evening bite and incredible waterfront views.
Like many people, Mike’s love for Pike Place Market started from childhood. While visiting the west coast from Maryland on summer breaks, he fondly remembers strolling through the Market and being fascinated by its mirage of unique businesses and small farmers. At age 14, he began his first job at Etta’s Restaurant a “fish throw” away from Pike Place and then spent 11 years working for his uncle, the Seattle restaurateur Tom Douglas, at Seatown Rub Shack & FishFry.
After establishing its current MarketFront Pavilion location in 2017, Mike’s primary goal as Director of Old Stove Brewing at Pike Place, as well as two other Seattle locations, has been to create and uphold a “kind, equitable restaurant,” inspired by a larger, more meaningful commitment to the Market community.
Eventually, Mike began his involvement at Old Stove in May 2020, adjusting a new team to the unprecedented logistical and financial challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost immediately, knowing that the Market community was suffering from lost connections during these times of quarantine and social isolation, he leaned into the idea of “breweries being community hubs” and got to work at showing up for the Market whenever possible.
Old Stove Brewing Co. is an exciting spot for a Pike Place meal, alongside working to be a “kind, equitable restaurant” in the Market.
Since the pandemic, Old Stove serves the Pike Place community, encompassing Market merchants, volunteers, patrons, and its employees, in diverse ways. The Brewery is proud to hold annual Earth Day events, host local nonprofits to share their advocacy opportunities, and coordinate supply drives for Seattle-based organizations. But Old Stove’s dedication doesn’t stop on Western Avenue—as a heartfelt bonus, at their Ship Canal location, Old Stove holds a monthly “Bark and Brew” event, a meet-and-greet opportunity with adoptable dogs in Seattle to unite them with their fur-ever homes.
Mike has always known that it’s essential to give back, so in 2023, he jumped at the opportunity to join the of the Pike Market Senior Center & Food Bank Board of Directors as their Vice President.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve appreciated the social services that The Market Commons offers more and more. While at the Market, my mentors have taught me that we all must give back at some point, not just take, take, take. This is something I especially try to emphasize with my staff.
To assist the Market community even further, the Old Stove staff provides a free, year-round beverage service to Food Bank clients every Thursday. Those waiting outside for their supplies for the week can warm up with hot cocoa in the winter months and cool down with lemonade in the summer.
Outside the camaraderie that allows Old Stove to thrive, Mike has reflected on the gains from volunteering at the Market in his free time, especially at the Market Foundation’s annual fundraising event in August. “Sunset Supper has always been my favorite Market event: the ability to raise money, build a community, meet Market merchants, and trade goods and stories…there’s something almost romantic about it.” He’s observed how those united by a common goal—a love for the Market and its people—can create an unforgettable volunteer experience that’s motivated him to get involved wherever he can. He encourages others to volunteer to gain the same perspective.
After two decades of experiences in the Market neighborhood as an employee, business manager, Board member, and volunteer, Mike has learned the importance of meeting people where they’re at, and how compassion and humility towards everyone within the Market’s moving parts can make all the difference. He hopes to pass on his lessons learned under the clock sign—how to put the “Market” in Pike Place Market—to share a better, more positive world with his 3-year-old daughter.
To me, ability equals responsibility,” he says. “I’m trying to teach my daughter the importance of giving back: if you don’t have money to give, give your time instead.
The work of the Market Foundation, to support the small businesses and people of Pike Place Market, is only made possible by passionate people like Mike who devote their time and ideas to the Market in their own ways. Learn more about Old Stove Brewing Company and the Pike Market Senior Center & Food Bank, or learn how you can become a volunteer in our community.