Iconic South Sound eateries Wally's Chowder House and Drive-In change ownership after 30 years
Two well-known South Sound restaurants are changing hands after decades under the same ownership. Wally's Chowder House in Des Moines and Wally's Drive-In in Buckley will be sold by Mike Nordean to Seattle restaurateur David Meinert. The transition is set to take place later this spring, with both locations remaining open throughout the process.
Mike Nordean has owned and operated the restaurants since 1991, serving the South King and East Pierce County communities for over 30 years. The sale will transfer both businesses to Hold Fast Hospitality Group, Meinert's company.
Under the new ownership, Meinert plans to keep the existing staff and expand their benefits, including health insurance and retirement options. He has also committed to maintaining the restaurants' menus, recipes, and overall identity. The Buckley Drive-In property will be purchased outright, while the Des Moines Chowder House will operate under a long-term lease. Meinert is a longtime figure in Seattle's hospitality scene, having owned or co-owned several well-known establishments. His acquisition marks the first time these family-run eateries will operate under a different owner. The deal follows years of service by Nordean, whose son, Ethan Nordean, gained notoriety as a Proud Boys leader convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol attack. In 2018, KUOW reported that Meinert faced sexual assault allegations from multiple women. Despite this, the sale is moving forward as planned, with no public indication of changes to the transaction.
The restaurants will continue serving customers without interruption during the ownership change. Meinert's plans include retaining staff and preserving the established character of both locations. The transition is expected to complete in the coming months.
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