Close-up of a plated dish with grilled skewered meat, garnished with edible greens and crispy toppings.
A plated gourmet dish featuring grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, green beans, carrots, broccolini, and microgreens, garnished with herbs and sauce.
A dessert with vanilla ice cream, cookies, white chocolate design, and caramel sauce, served in a white bowl.

Meet the Team

  • A smiling male chef with a beard, wearing a beige chef's coat, a black headband, and a striped apron, holding a glass of white wine in a restaurant or wine cellar.

    Joel Childs

    EXECUTIVE CHEF

    Chef Joel Childs hails from Belfast, Northern Ireland, and grew up honing his craft in England — learning the discipline of classical technique and the warmth of heritage cooking. After arriving in the Pacific Northwest in 2017, Joel has cooked in kitchens across Washington. He co-founded Chef Behind the Curtain in Snohomish, helped launch 16 Eleven in Everett, and most recently served as Executive Chef at Woodinville’s Barking Frog.

    At Allister, Joel’s British heritage seeps into his menu in fun and unexpected ways: his Trio of Lamb is a layered homage to shepherd’s pie, lamb sausage, and the British classics; his Fish & Chips and Bangers & Mash (featured on the kids’ menu) offer elevated takes on beloved comfort food. But more than nostalgia, what drives him is craftsmanship: every dish is built from scratch, using seasonal, high-quality local ingredients, balancing texture, flavor, and presentation. Combined with warm, lively hospitality and elevated service, Joel seeks to create a dining experience that draws people not just from Mercer Island but from across the region — and beyond.

    On screen, he brought his flair to national audiences in Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay: Bring on the Brits. Driven by craftsmanship, community, and flavor, Chef Joel is building a restaurant where every detail — from plate to gathering — invites delight.

  • Sara Seumae McAllister is the owner and manager of Allister restaurant and cocktail bar on Mercer Island, Washington

    Sara Seumae McAllister

    OWNER & GENERAL MANAGER

    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.