News

Ivar's to host 70-year celebration

September 10, 2008

SEATTLE —Ivar's seafood chain is celebrating its 70th Anniversary with a host of special events Sept. 15 to Oct. 31, 2008.

Ivar Haglund opened his first restaurant, Ivar's Fish Bar, in 1938 on Seattle's Pier 54. By 1946, Ivar's Fish Bar was accompanied by Haglund's first full-service restaurant, Ivar's Acres of Clams. Other early openings included the Ivar's Drive-In on Broadway in 1951 and Ivar's on Washington St. and Occidental Ave. in 1954. In 1966 Haglund bought Pier 54 and spread out operations of Ivar's Acres of Clams and Ivar's offices. In 1970, Ivar's Salmon House opened on Lake Union.

Today, there are 24 Ivar's fast casual Seafood Bars, three Fish Bars, and three full-service restaurants.