Award-winning Chowder Gives Back To Market Community

Larry Mellum has been making seafood chowder in the Pacific Northwest since 1991. When he decided to take his beloved recipe to Rhode Island's Great Chowder Cook-off in 2000, the odds of winning didn't look likely. In 20 years, no restaurant outside New England had ever won first place. Nevertheless, his now-famous chowder went on to win first place three years in a row. It was then that Larry decided to expand his business beyond a small cafe in West Seattle so Pike Place Chowder first opened its doors in Post Alley in 2003.

"Every day I can select from the freshest produce and fish for my chowders, and so we continue to perfect our recipes. I can't imagine working anywhere else than at Pike Place Market!" Pike Place Chowder's combination of award-winning dishes, quality ingredients, and dedicated staff have made it one of the most popular restaurants in the Market. "Every morning, we will have a line of people stretching out the door," says Larry. "It's a humbling experience to see that."

Larry has been an avid supporter of The Market Foundation since 2004, and most recently, Larry now donates a portion of his famous chowder sales to support our community too. "The Market Foundation does such important work for vulnerable seniors and others in the Market. It's incredibly gratifying to give right back to the neighborhood that has given so much to me and my business." Thank you, Larry, for supporting a thriving, caring community at Pike Place Market.

Realizing a new dream for our Market

After retiring from a successful career with Starbucks Coffee, Don Gordon was looking for opportunities to donate his skills. A former Starbucks colleague and a member of our board, Marie Gill, suggested that Don volunteer at Pike Place Market. The timing was perfect: "When I first met Lillian [The Market Foundation's Executive Director], she was looking for help planning The Neighborhood Center that will be part of the new MarketFront. With my background in building development and project management, it was a great fit."

Don sees The Neighborhood Center as a unique opportunity for the Market. "The look and feel will be very welcoming - a wonderful place for collaboration and community support."

Ask Don why he loves volunteering with The Market Foundation, and his big smile will say it all: "Being a volunteer on this project is hugely satisfying. I get to work with a great group of people and I'm honored to be part of this exciting development for Pike Place Market."

To date, Don has dedicated nearly 300 hours of support, insight, and planning to The Neighborhood Center. Thank you, Don, for helping us expand social services at Pike Place Market!

A Family Legacy At Pike Place Market

When DeeAnn and Dave Burman moved downtown over a decade ago, they were fortunate enough to move just two blocks from Pike Place Market. "The Market is such a special place," says DeeAnn. "When we first started frequenting the Market, the merchants quickly started to recognize us. And ever since, they talk to us as neighbors. We feel part of this community."

Since DeeAnn joined our Board of Directors in 2007, she and Dave have been champion supporters for Pike Place Market. DeeAnn has led successful committees, fundraisers, events and more, while Dave engaged his law firm, Perkins Coie, and other colleagues in the field.

More recently, DeeAnn has been deeply involved with the Pike Up! campaign to build the new MarketFront. "It has been very fun and exciting to work on the MarketFront. I know this will be a very important addition to our community, and to our city as a whole."

Although recently "retired" from our Board, DeeAnn continues to inspire others to get involved. "As downtown residents, the Market is our neighborhood - it's the heart and soul of the city. We do everything we can to ensure it continues to thrive for our grandchildren, and their grandchildren too." Thank you, DeeAnn and David, for nearly a decade of ongoing support for our community!