EXECUTIVE CHEF

Born in Belfast and trained in England, Chef Joel Childs brings more than 17 years of culinary experience to Allister. His cooking is shaped by his British roots and years spent developing his craft across a wide range of kitchens, blending the comfort and familiarity of classic dishes with French and Asian influences and the seasonal ingredients of the Pacific Northwest.

After moving to Washington in 2017, Joel co-founded Chef Behind the Curtain before helping open 16Eleven in Everett and later leading the kitchen at Woodinville’s Barking Frog. His career has also taken him to the national stage, where he competed on Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay: Bring on the Brits.

At Allister, Joel leads the culinary program with a focus on thoughtful, from-scratch cooking that feels elevated without being fussy. His food reflects the same qualities he brings to the kitchen: creativity, craftsmanship, a little British wit, and a genuine love of bringing people together around a great meal.

SOUS CHEF

Jack’s culinary career began in high school, where an early culinary arts class sparked what would become a lasting passion for the kitchen. He attended Edmonds College Culinary Arts then started from the ground up as a dishwasher and steadily worked his way through a wide range of culinary roles, building experience in everything from high-volume kitchens and fine dining to banquets and private clubs.

Over the years, Jack has held positions at Tulalip Resort Casino, Angel of the Winds Casino, and McCaw Hall, home to Seattle Opera and Pacific Northwest Ballet. He later served as Sous Chef at Emory’s on Silver Lake and Anthony’s HomePort in Everett before stepping into leadership roles as Head Chef at Anthony’s Woodfire Grill and Banquet Chef at Everett Golf & Country Club.

Now, as Sous Chef at Allister, Jack brings years of hands-on experience, strong kitchen leadership, and a deep appreciation for thoughtful, well-executed food to our culinary team.

OWNER/EVENTS & CATERING

Sara is a two-time entrepreneur whose first endeavor, prior to allister, was a women’s clothing line and Seattle boutique called SPUN. In 2013, she won Seattle Magazine’s coveted “Best Established Designer” award, before life events drove her to make the switch to the tech industry. Sara has a passion for food and gets joy from taking care of people. Opening allister is a dream come true for her and her family. Sara has called Mercer Island home since 2006, and resides with her husband Ian and her daughters Sena and Sadie.