Iconic Pike Place Fish Company under new ownership by some of its own managers

The iconic 90 year-old Pike Place Fish Company in Seattle’s Pike Place Market has been sold to new owners.

The stand, now synonymous with the Emerald City after they unofficially branded its fish tossing, is now going to a group of four managers who have collectively worked there for decades.

For more than 50 years, John Yokoyama has owned the market. Current manager and new part-owner Sam Samson said Yokoyama, now 78, wanted to sell before turning 80.

“One day he says, ‘Hey, are you guys ready?’ I said, ‘I’m ready.’ It’s been a year in the making,” Samson said.

Asked for a price, “It’ll be public information in two months,” Samson joked, “Go to City Hall!”

Samson is one of four managers who went all in, and says they have strived to live up to ethics and morale made famous in the 1998 Fish! Philosophy job training video filmed at the stand. It stresses making someone’s day, being present, choosing your attitude, and having fun.

“You get a lot of people who say, ‘Hey, we’re here for the show!’ We’re here for the fans, baby!” Samson said.

The days are long, and often work weeks are at least 60 hours in length.

“I go to the airport, Alaska Airlines cargo opens at 4:30 a.m. I’m there knocking at their door. I picked up two loads today,” Samson said of his routine.

Tourists at the stand say they support the new managers in their endeavor to take over the iconic tourist stop.

“Well, if they’re the ones buying it, then that’s great. They’re the ones who should have it because they believe in that philosophy,” said Dalmane Owchar, visiting from Canada.

Samson said the new owners have no immediate new plans, but he hopes to continue the famous legacy. And yes, they will keep on tossing salmon.

“I don’t want to be world famous,” Samson said, “This is my work.”

By Rob Munoz, KIRO 7 reporter