By Scott Schaefer
Founder/Publisher

Wally’s Chowder House in Des Moines and Wally’s Drive-In in Buckley are being sold by owner Mike Nordean to Seattle restaurateur David Meinert, bringing the longtime South Sound eateries under the ownership of Hold Fast Hospitality Group.

The transition is expected later this spring, with operations continuing uninterrupted.

Wally’s has long been a fixture for the region, known for its chowder, seafood and classic drive-in fare.

Meinert said his goal is to preserve the restaurants’ identity, including menus, recipes and staff.

“Our job is simple,” Meinert said. “Protect what people already love about Wally’s, invest in the buildings and the people who work there, and make sure this place is still thriving decades from now.”

Seller Nordean began his restaurant ownership career in 1991, when he partnered with family members to purchase what became Wally’s Drive-In in Buckley around 1993, eventually assuming full ownership. He went on to expand the business to include Wally’s Chowder House in Des Moines, building a small, family-run operation that has served South King and East Pierce County communities for decades.

Buyer Meinert is a longtime Seattle restaurateur and nightlife entrepreneur who has owned or co-owned several well-known establishments, including The 5 Point Café, the Mecca Café, Capitol Hill venues such as Comet Tavern and Lost Lake Café, and most recently Huckleberry Square in Burien. Over more than two decades, he has been a prominent figure in the city’s restaurant and music scenes, also helping grow events like the Capitol Hill Block Party.

“David has a track record of preserving classic Northwest restaurants while keeping them vibrant and busy. I’m confident he’ll take good care of Wally’s,” Nordean said.

Meinert said the deal has not yet closed but is in progress, and that he plans to purchase both restaurant businesses and the property at the Buckley Drive-In location, while operating the Des Moines Chowder House under a long-term lease.

The sale also brings into focus past controversies involving both the buyer and the seller.

The Elephant in the Room

Meinert has faced sexual assault allegations from multiple women, as reported by KUOW in 2018. The allegations were reported amid increased public attention to sexual misconduct during the #MeToo movement, and Meinert has denied wrongdoing.
Mike Nordean is the father of Ethan Nordean, an Auburn man and Proud Boys leader who served as sergeant at arms in 2020 and 2021, was convicted in 2023 in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol attack and had his sentence commuted by President Trump in 2025, according to Cascade PBS. In 2021, he disavowed his son’s involvement in the group.

Neither matter is directly tied to the restaurant sale.

Meinert, who grew up in Normandy Park and now lives in Burien, said his approach is to preserve historic establishments while making targeted investments to support long-term sustainability.

Plans for the transition include retaining current staff and expanding benefits such as health insurance and retirement options as the business grows, according to Meinert.

Current owner Nordean said he believes the restaurants will remain in good hands.

“Wally’s has been a huge part of my life and my family’s life,” Nordean said. “Letting go isn’t easy, but I believe the restaurants are going to someone who truly understands their importance. The community means everything to Wally’s, and I believe that will continue under David’s stewardship.”

Meinert said the acquisition also carries personal significance given his South King County roots, and that his broader goal is to maintain long-standing community gathering places.

“These kinds of restaurants are disappearing across the country,” he said. “My role is to preserve them and make sure they’re still here for future generations.”