Ivar Haglund was a renowned Seattle folk singer and businessman. He was born on 21 March 1905. He opened Seattle's first aquarium in 1938, with an adjacent fish and chips counter on Pier 54. Ivar's Acres and Clams was a renowned restaurant build by him. It houses a fish and chip counter, which has been renovated recently. He further expanded the popular restaurant and fish and chips counters into a regional chain.
Ivar Haglund began his career running a small aquarium on Seattle's waterfront. He diverted his interest to in the food business of Seattle and was a legendary restaurateur. Haglund soon became a public figure in the city for his all round contribution. Ivar was also a vocal singer and lyricist. Regional folk music was his forte and soon he became a famous radio personality. Through his radio programs he earned a handsome amount of money to launch the first "Acres of Clams" restaurant in 1945.Ivar Haglund and Acres of Clams became an associated name in those days because of its immense popularity.
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His image was that of a 'showman', who was loved by all.
He often sported a captain's apparels and did the mimicry of the annual world-champion for clam-eating contest to promote his interests. In 1960s, Ivar showed keen interest to feed the seagulls going against the conventional norms and built a seafood chain including fish bars and several restaurants offering Northwestern cuisine.
The biography of Ivar Haglund is an interesting story of an upcoming businessman in Seattle. In 1976, Ivar bought the Smith Tower, which is a Seattle landmark and once the tallest building in North America to the west of the Mississippi River. Ivar was elected port commissioner in 1983. Overcoming all his hurdles, Ivar Haglund proved to be a successful businessman. He altered his restaurant menus according to the demands of time.
The great restaurateur and a social activist, Ivar Haglund died of a heart attack on 30 January 1985.
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