Golly gumbo! Everett’s Alligator Soul is having a reunion party
Published 1:30 am Sunday, July 24, 2022
EVERETT — Calling all Alligator Soul-mates.
The Soul is back, for one night.
A reunion will be held July 30 for workers and patrons of Everett’s Alligator Soul. The longtime downtown restaurant with the catchy name was known for its jambalaya, crawfish boils, music, fun and friendship. It opened in 1995 and closed in 2010 due to the economy.
“We’ve been trying to put on a reunion party for 10 years,” said Amalia Voiss, an Alligator Soul bartender. “I think there are going to be 100 employees coming to the event.”
Another 100 ‘gator fans are expected to join them to share old stories and reconnect.
“Something about that restaurant is so special to people,” Voiss said.
The reunion was organized by chef Ryan Sturm, who took over Everett’s Alligator Soul in 2005.
Soul founders Hilary “Hilbo” and Maureen Craig opened the first Alligator Soul in 1995 on Hewitt Avenue and later a second location in Seattle.
Sturm took over the Everett restaurant after the Craigs opened a third Alligator Soul in Savannah, Georgia, in 2003.
The Seattle site closed, but the Savannah place is still going strong. By the looks of the reviews, it might be worth making a 2,400-mile road trip for a romantic and elegant bite out.
“It’s high-end,” Sturm said.
When the restaurant opened in Everett, “there was no Southern or Cajun food anywhere around here to be had,” Sturm said.
It was more than the food.
“We’ve remained friends over the years. It was a strong family,” he said. “Everyone was diehard into it. I don’t know how many times a year I get called and someone says, ‘Hey, let’s open another one.”’
The restaurant business is tough, he said.
Sturm, owner of Chef’s Soul Catering and Dining Experiences on Camano Island, will make gumbo and bread pudding for the event.
“The downhome dishes,” he said. “For memory’s sake.”
Alligator Soul was at 3121 Broadway when it closed.
The reunion party is 5 to 10 p.m. July 30 at Farmstrong Viewing and Taproom, 110 Stewart Road, Mount Vernon. Tickets are $10.
The Soul’s favorite band Star Drums and Lady Keys will be there to play just like old times, with opening band Anthony Brock Group.
Tickets: toasttab.com/farmstrong-brewing-110-stewart-rd/v3
Andrea Brown: 425-339-3443; abrown@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @reporterbrown.
