Leadership shakeup at one of Seattle's most popular restaurants

The brothers who have run one of Seattle’s oldest and most popular steakhouses, Canlis, have decided to part ways. Mark Canlis will remain in Seattle to run the third-generation family business, which was started by his grandfather in 1950. But Brian Canlis is packing up for Nashville, according to The New York Times, where he is planning a new endeavor with his long-time friend Will Guidara, who made his name at Eleven Madison Park in New York City. Brian will leave the restaurant in early June.

The move doesn’t appear to be contentious. Mark Canlis told Seattle Met that he was both sad and proud of his brother for making this decision.

Canlis Executive Chef Aisha Ibrahim is also leaving, along with her wife, Samantha Beaird, who is Canlis’ sous chef, to seek a larger market, potentially in New York or Los Angeles. Ibrahim is currently a semifinalist for a James Beard Award and was named the Best New Chef by Food and Wine magazine in 2023. The couple told the restaurant they planned to leave last year, and will officially transition out of their roles April 8. Canlis is currently searching for a new executive chef.

Canlis has won many James Beard Awards over the years including Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program, multiple Best Chef: Northwest awards and Outstanding Restaurant in 2018.