Every great tradition has an unexpected origin story—and ours begins in the fall of 1978 with a car full of Dungeness crab, a pheasant hunt, and a loyal Brittany Spaniel named Trudy.

That year, our founder Budd set out from the coast, his vehicle packed with fresh crab, on a hunting trip in Eastern Washington. With Trudy riding shotgun, he had no idea that what started as a simple day of hunting would turn into a legacy of local collaboration and seasonal celebration.

Looking for a place to hunt, Budd knocked on the door of a local farmer, hoping for access to the land. That knock turned out to be the beginning of something far bigger than either of them expected. Not long after, that same farmer began delivering sweet, just-harvested corn directly to our restaurants. The freshness, the flavor, and the connection—it all clicked.

That single partnership sparked Budd’s passion for working directly with farmers. Over time, he built relationships across Eastern Washington with growers who shared his love for quality and freshness. Together, they created a way to bring the best of land and sea to the table—season after season.

Today, our Best of Season program is a proud continuation of that mission. Our culinary team works year-round to highlight the freshest, most flavorful ingredients available—whether it’s peak-season produce or seafood straight from the coast. What started with a crate of crab and a friendly knock has grown into a defining part of who we are.

We’re grateful for the farmers, fishers, and friends who make it all possible—and for guests like you, who appreciate the stories behind every bite.