For the first time since the 1962 World’s Fair, Ivar’s is back at the Seattle Center. The 73-year-old Northwest seafood restaurant opened four new locations–one Ivar’s Seafood Bar, one Kidd Valley, and two Big Foot Hot Dog stands–inside the KeyArena in early March.
“Ivar tested his salmon house idea at the World’s Fair, where he also served fresh hamburgers similar to Kidd Valley. With our new Key Arena holdings, we are now in five of the regional Northwest sporting venues,” Director of Operations for Ivar’s Sports and Entertainment Division Walt Pillman said in a statement. “Our stadium locations are very popular and we serve more than one million venue visitors annually. We’re eager to bring our award-winning stadium fare to Key Arena fans, and we look forward to settling in and cheering on the WNBA Champions, the Seattle Storm.”
Kidd Valley, Ivar’s and Big Foot Hot Dogs operate from walk-up counters and stick to what they do best. Kidd Valley features juicy hamburgers, hand-mixed milkshakes, fries and freshly cut and breaded onion rings; Ivar’s will serve its award-winning chowders, fish ‘n chips and a seasonal seafood catch of the day; Big Foot Hot Dogs will serve its Northwest classic one-foot long hot dogs with all the fixings.
The four locations will be open for all Key Arena events.
If you’re eager to go try out the new Ivar’s in the neighborhood, today would be a good day. Ivar’s restaurants are celebrating founder Ivar Haglund’s 106th birthday today. At all Ivar’s Seafood Bars, including the new outpost at KeyArena, receive a second meal for just $1.06 when one full-priced entree is purchased. Just exclaim, “Happy Birthday, Ivar!” (Dramatic flair is encouraged, just as the playful Haglund would have wanted. Read about Haglund’s shenanigans here.)
The first 106 guests at each freestanding location will also receive complimentary blueberry birthday cake, Haglund’s favorite flavor. The fine print: The $1.06 birthday offer is not valid on Ivar’s Full Boat Special menu item.
Update 11 a.m.: We have just heard from an Ivar’s representative that the $1.06 deal is not available at any stadium locations, including the KeyArena. The deal will still be offered, however, at all other standalone Ivar’s locations throughout the city.