Honoring “the Cod Father” of Pike Place Market
On April 11th, we celebrate “Sol Amon Day” and honor the legacy of a Pike Place Market legend.
Since 2006, the city of Seattle has decreed this day as a recognition of Sol Amon’s philanthropic contributions to the Pike Place Market community; a neighborhood he had been a member of for over 60 years.
Known as “the Cod Father” and the “King of the Market”, Solly took over Pure Food Fish from his father Jack Amon in 1956, and ran the business faithfully until his retirement in 2020. Sol was the first Market merchant to support the Pike Place Market Foundation nearly 40 years ago, and the whole Amon family has been loyal and generous supporters ever since.
Today, Sol’s grandchildren Carlee and Isaac run the day-to-day, keeping Sol’s charitable ideals at the core of their operation. To continue in their grandfather’s footsteps, Carlee and Isaac have created ‘The Solomon Amon Entrepreneurial Fund’ in partnership with the Market Foundation. Carlee and Isaac have dedicated $50,000 to launch this fund and hope to inspire more giving and support for small business development in the Market for years to come.
Together, we will support the health of the Market community, specifically the stability of our workers, merchants, farmers and artists when faced with sudden, financial hardship. The Sol Amon Entrepreneurial Fund will create ongoing, dedicated funds to support programs such as the Market Small Business Recovery Fund and the Market Community Safety Net. During the COVID-19 pandemic alone, these programs provided grants and support to 137 small businesses and 325 individuals in the Pike Place Market community.
Carlee Hollenbeck at Pure Food Fish at Pike Place Market in Seattle.
“My grandpa always believed in helping people get their start to be successful,’ said Carlee. “I intend to do the same, to keep his legacy going.” On April 11, 2022, one hundred percent of the first $15,000 in proceeds from Pure Food Fish sales will go directly into this fund, earmarking a new cornerstone in their history.
We are grateful for Sol’s unwavering support of this community, and Carlee’s commitment to carrying on his vision. The Market will never be the same without him, but Sol’s legacy will continue to sustain Pike Place Market for generations to come.