About Us

A Voice for Seattle Restaurants

The Seattle Restaurant Alliance is a voice for Seattle restaurants, advocating on behalf of the more than 2,700 restaurants in Seattle.

Our mission: To develop an active network of restaurant owners, operators and managers focused on the issues that impact the Seattle restaurant community.

Principles to live by as Seattle restaurateurs:

Be a resource to fellow restaurateurs and of value to the community
Create a healthy and sustainable business environment
Operate responsibly and ethically
Help your employees and community prosper

Seattle Restaurant Alliance board members

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Steve Hooper

Board President, Government Affairs Committee

Todd Carden

Elliott Bay Brewing Co., Member Engagement Committee

Efrem Fesaha

Boon Boona Coffee, Communications Committee

Trey Lamont

Jerk Shack, Communications Committee

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Linda Di Lello Morton

Terra Plata, Government Affairs Committee and Philanthropy Committee

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Paul Osher

Rachel’s Bagels and Burritos, Member Engagement Committee and Philanthropy Committee

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Eric Tanaka

Tom Douglas Restaurant, Member Engagement Committee

SEATTLE RESTAURANT ALLIANCE STAFF

John Lane

Director of Local Government Affairs

John Lane joined the SRA in July 2015. He brings extensive public policy experience from his previous experience as legislative and legal counsel at the Office of Financial Management (2013-2015), a senior policy advisor to Gov. Jay Inslee on public safety and government operations (2013), executive policy adviser to Chris Gregoire (2005-2013) and the assistant attorney general (2001-05). He holds a law degree from Seattle University and a B.A. from the College of the Holy Cross.

Contact John at johnl@wahospitality.org

Austin Miller

Local Government Affairs Senior Manager

Austin Miller joined the SRA in March of 2021. He brings a decade of experience working in government and political roles in the Seattle area. Prior to joining the SRA, Austin worked in several positions for the City of Seattle, including two mayor’s offices, and the Department of Education and Early Learning. He has also worked on a number of political campaigns, ranging from managing the 2014 preschool for all campaign in Seattle to serving on Senator Cantwell’s 2012 re-election campaign. He holds a B.A. in political science from the University of Washington.

Contact Austin at austinm@wahospitality.org

Skylar Schmitt

Local Government Affairs Manager

Skylar Schmitt joined the association in June 2022. Since 2016, Skylar has worked on a variety of political campaigns in both field and finance consulting roles. In 2020 she was the Director of Outreach for Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland’s successful campaign in Washington’s Congressional District 10. Most recently Skylar worked as a fundraising consultant for political campaigns and non-profits across the country. She holds a B.A. in political science from Western Washington University.

Contact Skylar at skylars@wahospitality.org

Autumn Fruend
Local Government Affairs Assistant Coordinator

Autumn Freund joined the association in January 2023. Autumn grew up in the hospitality industry, working as a cashier in her parents’ bakery in high school and then as a waitress in college.

In 2022, Autumn worked as an intern for State Senator Marko Liias of Washington’s 21st Legislative District.

She holds a B.A. in political science and geography from the University of Washington.

Contact Autumn at autumnf@wahospitality.org