Seattle, WA – July 7, 2026
Our Founder and Chairman, Budd Gould passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026 the same way he lived his life: surrounded by his family. He was a Seattle native, a devoted family man, and the founder of Anthony’s, the Pacific Northwest seafood restaurants that grew into a beloved regional favorite. Budd meant so much to many as a leader, mentor, friend, and family member. He built Anthony’s with passion, heart, and an unwavering belief in people.
Budd Gould never set out to become one of the Pacific Northwest’s most enduring restauranteurs. He graduated from Queen Anne High School and the University of Washington before earning his MBA at Harvard Business School. His career started at Seattle First National Bank, where he helped introduce Washington’s first credit card. An entrepreneur at heart, his first ventures ranged from a pet supply store to a lobster operation. The lobster plan did, however, lead him to open a restaurant in Bellevue’s Crossroads neighborhood. That restaurant marked his unplanned entry into the restaurant business he’d spend the rest of his life building.
In 1976, Budd opened the first Anthony’s HomePort on Lake Washington in Kirkland. Leaning on inspiration from his youth spent on Whidbey Island, that restaurant became the defining formula: fresh Northwest seafood served with unbeatable waterfront views and unparalleled hospitality. From there, Anthony’s grew to 26 locations across Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Along the way, in 1984, he launched the company’s own seafood operation, ensuring the highest quality seafood and produce that shifted with the seasons, is on every plate.
True to the man he was, the business he spent his life building stands steady, and it will remain family owned and operated. Amy Burns, his daughter, continues at the helm as President and CEO a position she has held since 2023. “While we grieve this loss, we also celebrate the incredible legacy he built and the countless lives he touched. He took great pride in the team and community we’ve built, and we will continue moving forward with the same passion and dedication he brought every day,” says Amy Burns, President and CEO. “Above all else, I will miss my Dad, he was my everything. He was my friend, soccer coach, math tutor, ski buddy, sounding board, and was always my first call.”
His son, Herb Gould who was CEO from 2017 – 2022 will step in as Chairman of the Board. He said, “I got to work side by side with my dad for more than 40 years, and I learned from him every step of the way. But long before we ever worked together, he was my Little League coach. Even back then, he had this way of bringing out the best in people.That’s what stuck with me: lead with heart, believe in people, and the rest follows. I’m going to miss him so much, but carrying his legacy forward is an honor.”
Budd always believed that Anthony’s success belonged to its team members and the communities it served, never to himself. His legacy will live on not only through Anthony’s, but in the many lives he inspired.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to either your local Boys & Girls club, or your local Culinary Arts program, like South Seattle College Foundation.
