Ivar's

Ivar's is a Seattle-based seafood restaurant chain known for its chowder and fish and chips. The company was founded in 1938 by Ivar Haglund, a local folk singer and entrepreneur who built the business from a single fish and chips stand on Seattle's waterfront.

Ivar's operates several distinct types of restaurants, including:

• Ivar's Acres of Clams: A sit-down waterfront restaurant offering a full menu of seafood dishes. This is often considered the flagship location.
• Ivar's Salmon House: A longhouse-style restaurant serving salmon prepared in traditional Native American style.
• Ivar's Seafood Bars: Counter-service restaurants located in various locations throughout the Puget Sound region, offering a quick and casual dining experience featuring classic seafood dishes.

In addition to its restaurants, Ivar's also has a significant presence in the retail market, selling its clam chowder and other products in grocery stores. The company is also actively involved in community events and philanthropic endeavors in the Seattle area. Ivar Haglund's quirky personality and marketing stunts contributed significantly to the company's early success and continue to be a part of the Ivar's brand identity. His famous motto was "Keep Clam".