A Mutual Goodbye - Iconic Seattle Fish Market Closes Its Doors After 77 Years

Besa Gordon and her show Back2Besa teamed up with Cynthia Brothers from Vanishing Seattle to capture the moment and honor the legacy of the historic Mutual Fish Company.

Founded in 1946, Mutual Fish Co. located in the Rainier Valley has been a staple for generations for not only those who live in the Central District and South End of Seattle but also a mainstay for restaurants across the city and acclaimed chefs. We saw hugs, smiles, and tears as we spoke with customers and co-owner Harry Yoshimura. We also spoke with Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell later in the day, who used to buy fish at the shop as a child.

“We’ve had people coming here for over 20 years,” Yoshimura said. “They’ve all been very loyal and they’re good people.”

The original shop opened on 14th and Yesler in 1946, and the market moved to Rainier Valley in 1965. The closing featured long-time customers paying the shop one final visit, with lots of hugs and emotional moments being shared. 

“I remember way way back, there were so many businesses up there on Yesler,” Bush Garden owner Karen Sakata said. “We always come here to buy stuff for New Years.”

Harrell said the closing was a wakeup call, and that it’s important to gather and reminisce on the things which built our communities. 

“We’d all go by and see the signs with the prices - that was part of our fabric,” Harrell said. “I’m sad to see them go, but I’m happy that the family gets to retire. We have to treasure the moments and the businesses we see now.”

It was a powerful reminder that while Mutual’s time has come to an end, the legacy of the fish shop will not be forgotten. We wish Harry Yoshimura and his family the best in retirement.

You can see more in the segment, and make sure to tune into #Back2Besa every Saturday at 10:30 pm on FOX13 Seattle and Sunday at 10am on FOX13+ for more great stories like this one.