Key Takeaways
- Brian Canlis, co-owner of the renowned Canlis restaurant, is leaving to pursue a creative partnership in Nashville.
- He aims to prioritize his family life while exploring a new direction in hospitality alongside colleague Will Guidara.
- The Canlis brothers emphasize a people-over-plates philosophy in their hospitality approach, highlighting the importance of human connection.
A New Chapter for Brian Canlis
After nearly two decades at the helm of Canlis, the iconic Seattle restaurant, Brian Canlis is embarking on a new journey. He and his brother Mark have transformed the family business into a renowned establishment, but now Brian seeks a different path that better aligns with his current life phase as a father of four.
During a candid conversation on the Reimagining Restaurants podcast, Brian reflected on his evolution since becoming a restaurateur in his 20s. He described how his priorities have shifted, prompting him to explore new opportunities beyond the restaurant industry that still foster his creativity and passion for hospitality.
In February, it was announced that Brian will partner with his long-time friend Will Guidara, co-founder of Eleven Madison Park, in Nashville. Their collaboration is framed as an open-ended creative partnership, allowing them to experiment together before committing fully. Brian humorously noted, “Let’s date before we get married,” indicating their approach of testing the waters over a year.
Additionally, Brian’s decision to leave Canlis was supported by his brother Mark, who emphasized that flourishing as a human should be the priority over maintaining a long-standing family business. This approach aligns with their foundational belief that hospitality should focus on human connection more than just food service.
Throughout the pandemic, the Canlis brothers demonstrated this ethos by creatively pivoting to a burger drive-thru service and organizing unique events, such as themed fundraisers. Brian stated, “We’re not in the food business; we’re in the people business,” underscoring their commitment to fostering relationships through their work.
As Brian steps into this new venture, he embraces the uncertainties that come with it. His partnership with Will represents not just a shift in location but a transformative opportunity to redefine what work and life balance look like outside the family legacy of Canlis. Their collaboration is set to take place in Nashville, where they plan to explore fresh concepts in hospitality.
This leap mirrors previous bold decisions made by the Canlis family, from opening one of the first restaurants in Seattle with a liquor license in 1950 to establishing a fine-dining experience on a cliff above Lake Union. With a spirit of reinvention that has characterized the family’s approach for generations, Brian looks forward to the future with an open mind and heart.
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