Photo Credit: Courtney Hale
Veterans Day is a great opportunity to #SpendLikeItMatters and support veteran owned businesses in your community. To celebrate, we’ve put together a list to help you eat, drink, shop, work out, and #selfcare at some of our favorite veteran owned businesses in the greater Seattle area.
EAT
Zuri’s Donutz #BlackOwned #VeteranOwned
Lynwood, WA
Zuri’s Donutz is not your average donut shop. With galaxy-swirled donuts, garlic chili chicken donuts, and Bailey’s apple fritters, you’ve never seen donuts like this before. Owner Davis Vincent is a U.S. Navy veteran, self-taught baker, and culinary mad genius behind the truly unique and inventive flavors at Zuri’s Donutz. Davis loves to experiment with any and all flavors he finds while perusing local markets. Fun fact: Zuri’s Donutz also offers vegan and gluten-free options!
Mission Cantina #FamilyOwned #VeteranOwned #WomanOwned
West Seattle, Seattle, WA
In 2001, Peter Morse left Seattle to take a culinary journey through Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. When he returned, his passion for the traditional food and cocktails of the regions he visited inspired the menu at Mission Cantina, especially informing his passion for agave. Today, he owns the restaurant with Shawn and Tina Padilla. The tequilas and mezcals at his restaurant have been meticulously researched — and it shows. Order yourself some enchiladas, sweet potato tacos, or carne asada and be sure to get one of their super special cocktails!
Olmstead #FamilyOwned #VeteranOwned #WomanOwned
Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA
This popular New American restaurant highlights a slice of Seattle’s history. Named both after Roy Olmstead (famed former Seattle cop turned bootlegger) and the Olmsted brothers (who designed Volunteer Park), the restaurant captures the spirit of the neighborhood. Nestled in a space that has been host to many beloved restaurants, owners Jesse Elliott, Alison Holcomb, Gregory Holcomb, and Lisa Tomlinson have hopes to cultivate another popular community hangout. The booze and food menus are approachable, but elevated — it even offers a delightful mix for vegans and vegetarians. Pro tip: Order their “baby bird” cocktail (mostly because it comes in a gold owl-shaped goblet)!
Pioneer Square D&E #FamilyOwned #VeteranOwned #WomanOwned
Pioneer Square, Seattle, WA
To pay homage to their favorite Seattle neighborhood, husband-wife duo Jonathan Fleming and Libby Aker imagined a special community restaurant. Their vision came to life when they opened Pioneer Square D&E, an inviting restaurant that serves upscale American food with global influence. Featuring an extensive happy hour menu and classic cocktails, their specialty is a fried chicken sandwich and steak fries, served all-day, everyday with a can of Rainier for $12. Pro tip: Check out their built-in speakeasy, The Marble Room. Access to The Marble Room is from the alleyway behind D&E, located at 314 2nd Ave S.
DRINK
Odd Otter Brewing #LGBTQOwned #VeteranOwned #WomanOwned
Tacoma, WA
While they were awarded the best pale ale in Washington State, Odd Otter Brewing is almost entirely known for its super friendly service and community engagement. Founded by Owen McGrane, John Hotchkiss, Pablo Monroy, Derrick Monroy, and Teresa Smith, the establishment is veteran and LGBTQ+ owned. Odd Otter Brewing serves up 10 of their delicious beers on tap and offers Wooden City pizza daily. All day happy hour pricing is offered to members of the military and first responders. Bonus: Join Odd Otter Brewing for a spectacular brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
Mulleady’s Irish Pub #VeteranOwned
Magnolia, Seattle, WA
When Travis Stanley-Jones took over the two story Mulleady’s Irish Pub more than a decade ago, he infused the neighborhood spot with a seasonal menu and a noteworthy cocktail program. Irish fare abounds, there is plenty of local beer on tap, and the pub also boasts the largest collection of Irish Whiskeys on the west coast.
SHOP
West Seattle Runner #FamilyOwned #VeteranOwned #WomanOwned
West Seattle, Seattle, WA
Founded by Lori and Tim McConnell in 2010, West Seattle Runner is a family and veteran-owned specialty running store is West Seattle. From shoe selection, to training tips, West Seattle Runner offers expert advice and encouragement to runners of all experience levels.
Second Gear Sports #VeteranOwned
West Seattle, Seattle, WA
Started by Mark Bremen, an Air Force veteran turned turned entrepreneur, Second Gear Sports is West Seattle’s first and only sports and recreation consignment store. The team’s community focus makes it the first stop for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
Super Genius Tattoo #VeteranOwned
Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA
Super Genius Tattoo is owned by Damon Conklin, a charismatic veteran who was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. After a tumultuous childhood, Damon found a passion for tattooing and has been at it since 1995. Over time Damon has become one of the most respected artists in the area, and is joined by a talented team at Super Genius.
Fun fact: In 2001, Damon founded The Seattle Tattoo Expo. The event is held in Seattle and international and local artists congregate every summer to showcase their work and gather as a community.
Six17 Salon #BlackOwned #VeteranOwned #WomanOwned
Downtown Seattle, WA
Jackie Christian moved her salon from Atlanta to Seattle in 2019 seeing the lack of natural hair care options and the frustration of Black women in the area. She quickly built a clientele of over 300 women and a few men who want natural hair care. Six17 Salon specializes in hair that has not been chemically straightened and a commitment to each individual customer. They are all about empowering and educating their clients as it relates to their hair and almost always, the information Jackie and her team provide trickles into the customer’s daily lives and yields the most amazing results.
WELLNESS
Down 2 Vibe #BlackOwned #VeteranOwned
West Seattle, Seattle, WA
Are you ‘Down To Reiki’? Healer Vibe (Vee-Bay) Smith is dedicated to help his patients identify and heal their physical and emotional pain from the source. Vibe is a second generation spiritual healer and takes after his grandmother in his work. After an emotional life journey that has included Coast Guard service, lots of traveling, and immense spiritual mentorship. Whether you’re looking to heal from anger, PTSD, anxiety, fatigue, stiffness, soreness, or weakness, Vibe is eager to ease your healing journey.
Dalior #LatinxOwned #VeteranOwned #WomanOwned
Bellevue, WA
Dalior gets its name from the national flowers of Mexico and Columbia: the dahlia and the orchid. Hailing from the two countries, U.S. Navy veteran Ximena and her husband Edgar Juarez infuse Latin American influence into their aesthetic services which include custom facials, non-invasive facelifts, eyelash extensions, spray tanning, waxing, and more.
Thomas McKenny, DDS & Associates General Dentistry #VeteranOwned
Downtown Seattle, WA
Thomas McKenny loves what he does because he knows how important teeth are for self-confidence and general health. At his practice, Thomas McKenny, DDS & Associates General Dentistry, provides top-notch dental care by keeping up with the latest materials, techniques, and equipment. Whether you come in for your regular cleaning, to start Invisalign, or to get a filling — you’re in good hands!
Fun fact: Before opening his practice, Thomas was a Navy dentist for four years.
FITNESS
The Boxing Gym Westside #FamilyOwned #LatinoOwned #LGBTQOwned #VeteranOwned
White Center, Seattle, WA
Founded by Coach Lee Torres in 2015, The Boxing Gym Westside is designed as an inclusive space for people of all body sizes as well as POC and LGBTQIA+ folks. Dedicated to fostering a safe, welcoming space, lessons are rooted in teaching fundamental technical skills for boxing. Right now, you can join the gym for online or indoor classes!
Crossfit Issaquah #VeteranOwned #WomanOwned
Issaquah, WA
Mike Dolan, Stacia Fisher, and Nick Miller all share a passion for helping people achieve their health and fitness goals. CrossFit Issaquah is defined by its commitment to its community, with regular social events and a kids room for busy parents.
South Seattle Crossfit #VeteranOwned
South Seattle, Seattle, WA
Owned by Chris Garceau and Ryan Sheaffer, South Seattle CrossFit welcomes athletes of all backgrounds and ages to achieve higher levels of fitness as part of an inspiring and motivating community.
MORE VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESSES
There are plenty more veteran owned businesses in the greater Seattle area and across Washington State. You can find more by heading to our Directory of veteran-owned businesses.
Are we missing your favorite veteran owned place to eat, drink, shop, relax, or work out? Let us know, and we’ll get it added right away!
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Intentionalist is built on one simple idea: where we spend our money matters. We make it easy to find, learn about, and support small businesses and the diverse people behind them through everyday decisions about where we eat, drink, and shop.