Our story

The Hillyer Family: Continuing the Legacy of Pike Place Chowder

We are the Hillyer family and we're thrilled to be the new owners of Pike Place Chowder!

This is a dream come true, as we’ve been part of the Pike Place Chowder story for decades, working alongside our founder, Larry Mellum, and celebrating many Chowder Cook-off wins coast-to-coast. We're also ecstatic for Larry as he begins retirement, devoting his time and energy to the important cause of preserving the Salish Sea and helping to save the last 74 Southern Resident Orcas.

From our family to you, THANK YOU for purchasing our award-winning chowder. Every day, our kitchen overflows with the tantalizing aromas of premium seafood, farm-fresh vegetables, and perfectly balanced seasoning, all crafted with love. We hope you and yours enjoy every spoonful.

It's chowder-lovers like you that make our world go 'round!

Proud to lead after 20+ years behind the scenes at Pike Place Chowder

Mike Hillyer, Director of Operations at Pike Place Chowder, has been part of the journey from the very beginning, working with Larry on and off for over 30 years, including the last eight years in his current role.

Since its inception in Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market and with a second location at Pacific Place Mall, Pike Place Chowder has become renowned for its handcrafted, 100% Certified Sustainable seafood chowders. From the classic New England Clam Chowder to innovative creations like Smoked Salmon and Seared Scallop, the chowder’s commitment to quality has earned countless accolades, including Yelp’s “Most Popular Dish in America” and many Hall of Fame inductions.

As longtime fans who have cheered on Pike Place Chowder at every chowder competition, the Hillyer family deeply values the traditions and flavors that have made it a cherished part of the community. Casey and Emily, both proud UW business grads (Go Dawgs!), bring their Northwest roots to the business—Emily by leading marketing to reach a new generation of chowder fans, and Casey by helping carry forward the family’s shared vision.

While Dr. Jake Hillyer is off studying heart valves in his cardiology fellowship, his love for bivalves hasn’t skipped a beat. He’s proof you can save lives by day and crave chowder by night (his taste buds are basically board certified).