A lifetime of Achievement
Exceptional restaurant owner and community activist
receives prominent award

By Barbara Smith

“I was surprised and honored by the award,” Symms said. “But I wouldn’t be where I am today without the WRA. Listening to other members, serving on WRA committees and participating on the board of directors made a world of difference for me.” “Diane is truly one of the strongest leaders our industry has ever seen,” said Anthony Anton, WRA president and CEO. “The fact that she donated the proceeds of her anniversary celebration to the Boys & Girls Club of Ballard shows her leadership and dedication to the community. The WRA wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for Diane’s contributions.”

Symms has served on the board of directors of the WRA for more than a decade including a two-year term as board chair from 1996–98. Her advocacy leadership has taken Symms to Washington, D.C. and Olympia dozens of times to work with lawmakers on issues important to the industry. She has also led efforts on health care, workers’ compensation and retrospective rating initiatives.

Her own story is one of personal determination. Symms began as single-mother making sandwiches in a deli more than 36 years ago. She has since opened three of the most successful Italian restaurants in the Puget Sound area with locations in Ballard, Issaquah and Everett. She has received many honors and awards for her accomplishments and gives back to the community by serving on various boards, committees and supporting local charities and organizations. Symms was awarded the “Nellie Cashman Award” in 2000, presented annually by the Women Business Owners Association of Seattle. Among her charitable activities, she has worked with the Northwest Center on behalf of the developmentally disabled and with local community colleges in scholarship fundraising.

Symms said she never started out to be in the hospitality industry. In fact she was shocked recently to find her old high school annual which listed her goals as “getting married and having children.” She did that and a lot more. Now that her daughter Kerri is in line to succeed her, she realizes that family has always been a key to her success in the restaurant business. Symms also has a grown son, Jeff, as well as two adoring grandchildren.

Symms has seen a lot of changes over the years, most of all in the level sophistication among customers. “When we opened our Issaquah restaurant 17 years ago no one knew what pesto was and they asked what that green stuff was on the pasta,” she laughed. “I love being in my restaurants, seeing our customers have a good time, enjoying good food and wine. I never thought I was a good cook, let alone a chef but now I really enjoy the food side of our business.”

The stress of being in the industry has also changed. The plethora of government rules and regulations has increased, profits are smaller and workforce issues are ever present. “We know our team members are keys to our success. We need to be able to offer something they can be proud of as well as good wages and benefits. We have very loyal and talented employees and for that I am very grateful,” said Symms.

Symms cut her political teeth working with the WRA. During a very heated debate on health care reform in the early 1990s, she ended up face to face with then Gov. Mike Lowry at a social event. “I just walked right up to him and told him that his program wouldn’t work for small business and that he should listen to people like me. I had no idea that I probably shouldn’t have confronted the governor like that until some of the long-time Olympia lobbyists said they couldn’t believe it and… they would love to see other business owners do the same thing! I have never been shy about speaking up for small, independent business owners and I have encouraged others to do so as well,” said Symms.

Another highlight for Symms was her attendance at a White House ceremony to celebrate the “Welfare to Work” program. When directed to sit in the back bleachers, Symms said she would prefer to sit in the front row. She got her way and found herself sitting with international business leaders and members of congress directly in front of the President.

“In her two years as WRA Board Chairperson, Diane Symms was an exemplary leader, quickly earning the respect and admiration of all of its 29 Board members,” said Gene Vosberg former WRA president and CEO. “She was dedicated to improving and protecting the industry, and was always quick to respond to the needs of the Association. Her contributions to the overall industry are countless and it is very appropriate that Diane be recognized for her achievements by becoming a recipient of the Burtenshaw Lifetime Achievement Award."

Leading by taking chances, listening and speaking up are all hallmarks of Symms career. She is in no way ready to retire and remains active in her business and the WRA. After 30 years of 24/7 she is taking time to travel a bit more, see more of America and the world, but she remains one of the WRA’s best supporters and her lifetime of achievement will be recognized for many years to come.