The Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle offers a grand experience for permanent residents and tourists alike. This is a company that arose from nothing to become world famous. How did they do it? By believing in their mission and the experience they create.

The story starts in 1965 when John Yokoyama purchased Pike Place Fish Market. At the time, John was one of several employees of the unassuming fish stand. After numerous unsuccessful attempts to sell the business, John's employer offered him the opportunity to purchase Pike Place Fish. John purchased Pike Place Fish to help make his car payments - amazing how things turned out! Pike Place started as any well branded company does, they decided who they wanted to be. One of the young kids working for John said, "Hey! Let's be World Famous!" this led to talking and to getting excited about being World Famous. John and his team committed to being World Famous, adding "World Famous" to their logo and shipping boxes. So what does being World Famous mean? For Pike Place it means "going beyond just providing outstanding service to people. It means really being present with people and relating to them as human beings." Being World Famous is a lifestyle, a sensibility that all of the employees at Pike Place possess. Bottom line, "it's about taking care of people." And take care of people they do. The Pike Place Fish Market is open, loud, and raw while at the same time being courteous, informative, and friendly.

Going to Pike Place in and of itself is captivating because of its authenticity. From the physical space, to the employees, to the smell, Pike Place is 100% real, no additives or preservatives. And we think they're "world famous" for a couple of reasons. Yes, they have amazing, fresh seafood at incredible prices, but they also offer an experience that money can't buy. The King Crab, Alaskan Salmon, or Rainbow Trout you just bought becomes a starting point for a whole new experience you'll create on your own. Eating is one of the most cross culturally accepted forms of social interaction, and preparing fish is a process oriented activity that breeds communication and creativity. Pike Place is like an Experience Resevoir, they give you the foundational element and then set you free to build your own memories. Who would have thought that an open fish market could create such a holistic experience?