Iconic South Sound restaurants change hands after decades under Nordean

Two well-known South Sound restaurants, Wally's Chowder House in Des Moines and Wally's Drive-In in Buckley, are changing hands. Owner Mike Nordean has agreed to sell both eateries to Seattle restaurateur David Meinert. The deal will place the longstanding businesses under Meinert's Hold Fast Hospitality Group.

The sale includes the Buckley Drive-In property, while the Des Moines Chowder House will operate under a long-term lease. Meinert, who has owned or co-founded around 12 Seattle-area restaurants since 2000—including Tavern Law and Zig Zag Café—plans to keep the existing menus, recipes, and staff in place. He also intends to expand employee benefits, such as health insurance and retirement options, as the business grows.

The transition is set for later this spring, with no disruption to daily operations. Nordean, who has run the restaurants since 1991, built a reputation serving South King and East Pierce County communities for decades. His son, Ethan Nordean, a Proud Boys leader, was convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol attack. Meinert's acquisition follows past controversies. In 2018, KUOW reported allegations of sexual assault against him from multiple women. Despite this, he remains a prominent figure in Seattle's hospitality industry.

The restaurants will continue operating under new ownership, with Meinert committing to maintain their established identity. Staff retention and expanded benefits are part of the plan as the transition moves forward. The sale marks the end of Nordean's long tenure in the South Sound dining scene.