On August 3rd, 2025, Le Pichet marked 25 years since it first opened its doors. Wow, what a landmark! Sitting at my desk in Orthez, its easy to forget all the challenges that came as part of those 25 years. We all remember 9/11, but do we remember “Freedom Fries” and the backlash against all things French that followed (does anyone remember why we were mad at the French?). How about the financial crisis of 2008, that caused the closures of so many restaurants? Or, worst of all, COVID, what a nightmare!
But all of the challenges seem small when I think back on how much I enjoyed working with our great team, who were both professionals at a high level and just plain wonderful people. Or how edifying it was to have guests tell me how much they loved our restaurant, and then to prove it by coming back again and again. I am so proud to have had a part in building a restaurant that has become iconic in its neighborhood and its city. Finding a job that is also a passion is a rare thing, and I consider myself very lucky to have done just that.
Congratulations to everyone who worked to make Le Pichet what it is, and to all our friends and guests who’s support made 25 years possible. Congratulation to Michael and Marcel, who have stepped up to the tough job of taking over an icon. I am sure that, under their leadership, Le Pichet has many years ahead of it.
Jim
Still my favorite restaurant in Seattle! Cafe Presse was a close second.