If you wondered what Canlis had up its sleeve for its next pivot during the pandemic, it looks like it is going to be without Chef Brady Williams.

In 2015, at the age of 29, Chef Williams took over the storied kitchen. Almost six years to the day he started, Williams will step out on his own to build and run his own restaurant.

Williams is only the sixth chef in the 70 year history of Canlis. During that time he has undoubtedly made his mark as one of the top chefs in the region. In fact, Chef Williams took home the Best Chef in the Northwest James Beard Award in 2019.

We will all be looking forward to what Williams brings to the table in 2021. And, we’ll also be on the look out to see how Canlis “pivots” this year as they search for a new chef to lead them into a post-pandemic future.

Read the full announcement by the Canlis brothers below that was posted today. 

Dear friends,⠀

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Behind every menu, pivot, and creative idea we’ve had this past year has stood the incredible Canlis kitchen team, led by Brady Williams. Every meal-to-go, every delicious boxed kit, every frozen tv dinner, every bagel, burger, and bag of popcorn has been meticulously engineered by our sixth chef in 70 years and one of the best bets we ever made as brothers. We’re proud to announce that in two months, Brady will leave Canlis to build and open his own restaurant. We are sad to lose such a remarkable leader but couldn’t be more excited as we watch him pursue this dream.⠀

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Looking forward, our hearts are full of hope. This is a year to heal and rebuild, to put back, to make right again. We believe it’s a year to open restaurants, new and old. When Canlis opens its doors again in 2021, it won’t just be the old Canlis you know and love. We have changed, grown, and dreamed of rebuilding a restaurant the future will be proud of. The need for hospitality has not diminished, but is greater today than ever before. That’s going to take as many restaurants as our industry can put back together. How encouraging then, that Brady–one who is like a brother to us–heads off to open his own. ⠀

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It’s time to build a better, stronger, and more caring industry. Over the next few months we’ll be searching for the right chef to join us in that endeavor. If you think you’re up for the job, email us at chef@canlis.com ⠀

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Mark & Brian Canlis