Duke’s Seafood on Alki reopens following outbreak of COVID-19 among employees

SEATTLE — Duke’s Chowder House on Alki Beach in West Seattle reopened Tuesday following an outbreak of COVID-19 among employees last week.

The restaurant shut down Wednesday after officials said seven workers tested positive.

An employee and customers told KIRO7 that customers regularly filled the restaurant beyond maximum capacity as mandated by the state’s Stay Safe, Stay Healthy guidelines. The employee said she was asked to serve large groups and felt uncomfortable doing so.

In Phase 2, restaurant seating is limited to 50% capacity both inside and outside. Parties and tables must have five people or less, and tables must be placed so there are six feet between guests at different tables.

Public Health also said any individual incident on its own is not likely to lead to immediate closure, but with Duke’s, there was “ongoing risk for transmission and lack of compliance.” The department added that the “closure (was) necessary to ensure the best prevention measures are in place.”

In a statement, Public Health Seattle King-County said, “The setup of the restaurant did not promote appropriate customer distancing,” and added, “Duke’s was closed due to the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 among employees and the potential for continued transmission.”

A spokesperson for the restaurant said they submitted a comprehensive COVID-19 safety plan on Friday that included all aspects of Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Safe Start” requirements.  

Officials said the plan addresses employee health screenings, physical distancing for employees and compliance with the 50% seating capacity.

The Department of Health authorized the plan and said “The restaurant has been fully cooperative throughout the investigation and was quickly able to address all of the Public Health concerns.”   

Cox Media Group