Seattle Central Foundation announces 2003 Broadway-Edison award honorees
Schwartz Brothers to be recognized at annual Harvest Dinner
Seattle – The Seattle Central Community College Foundation will celebrate the achievements of two culinary pioneers at the 11th Annual Harvest Dinner on November 8. Noted local restaurateurs Bill Schwartz and his late brother John, who established some of the most popular and successful restaurants in the Pacific Northwest, will be honored with the Broadway-Edison award, which recognizes culinary and civic contributions.
"It is fitting that we honor the Schwartz Brothers at our 2003 Harvest Dinner," said Foundation President Bill Grinstein. "Their strong entrepreneurial spirit and vision has always been an inspiration for our culinary arts students."
The Harvest Dinner will be held in the college’s Fine Dining Room beginning at 6:00 p.m. It will mark the 61st anniversary of the Seattle Culinary Academy, one of the Pacific Northwest’s top culinary programs. Throughout the years, the Academy has educated over 6,500 students, many of whom represent the backbone of today’s Pacific Northwest restaurant and food industry.
John Schwartz’s 40 years of restaurant experience and Bill’s financial genius proved to be a powerful recipe for success in our community. After opening The Butcher Restaurant in Bellevue, the Schwartz Brothers became full partners in 1977 and opened Henry’s Off Broadway on Capitol Hill, an elegant restaurant that quickly established itself as a Seattle landmark. The brothers continued to expand their business ventures until they had created an internationally-known food service company that included Daniel’s Broiler, Chandler’s Crabhouse and Fresh Fish Market, Spazzo Mediterranean Grill, and The Atrium Café.
Henry’s Off Broadway, in particular, held a special place in the hearts of local Capitol Hill residents. It was the restaurant of choice for many people celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and retirements. The restaurant’s elegant décor, high quality service, and friendly personnel served as a backdrop for priceless memories with families and friends, until its closure in 1991.
Not surprisingly, the Schwartz Brothers have received numerous business and community involvement awards. In 1996, they were presented the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce "Emerging Business Award" and the Ernst & Young "Master Entrepreneur of the Year" award. In 1997, they received the Northwest Hospitality "Visionary Achievement Recognition" and The Nation’s Restaurant News "Hot New Concept" Award.
The Harvest Dinner, sponsored by the Seattle Central Foundation, supports the Seattle Culinary Academy and funds scholarships for Seattle Central students.
The Academy is fully accredited by the prestigious American Culinary Federation Educational Institute. Its chef instructors have won international culinary Olympic competitions and worked at nationally-recognized restaurants and hotels throughout the United States and abroad.
The Seattle Central Community College Foundation supports Seattle Central students, faculty and programs by raising and providing financial resources to help students achieve their fullest potential through quality education.
Inquiries should be directed to Foundation Director Susan Bean at (206) 934-5484, or Seattle Central Communications Director Danny Howe at (206) 934-5485.