Kathy Casey Food Studios at 5130 Ballard Ave NW closed recently.
The Food Studios opened 27 years ago as a consulting and creative agency specializing in food, beverage, and hospitality concept development. Seattle chef and mixologist Kathy Casey is widely recognized as a pioneer of the “bar-chef” movement, blending culinary techniques with cocktail craft.
Beyond her reputation in mixology, Casey is also an entrepreneur, cookbook author, and consultant who has helped develop restaurant concepts, menus, and products for clients ranging from local businesses to global brands.
Casey said the closure marks a natural transition for the company. Kathy Casey Inc. has shifted over the years to focus on food, beverage, and concept development for clients across the country and internationally, work that no longer requires such a large physical studio. To prepare for the change, the Caseys sold the Ballard building in 2021 and leased back part of the space until now to “thoughtfully wind down” operations there.
The business remains active, with a main office on the Vancouver, WA waterfront, an auxiliary office in Palm Springs, CA, and three restaurants at Sea-Tac Airport: Dish D’Lish, Rel’Lish Burger Lounge, and Lucky Louie Fish Shack.
“After 27 wonderful years in Ballard, we are proud of our early role in helping to build the vibrant Ballard community,” Casey said. She added that while she can’t yet share who is taking over the Ballard Ave space, she and her husband John “know they will be a wonderful steward of the beautiful space, so dear to our hearts, and wish them much success.”
Featured photo: Google Image Capture