The Willows Inn

Disgraced Fine Dining Restaurant Willows Inn Permanently Closes | Bon Appétit

"After years of allegations detailing wage theft, sexual harassment, and racist bullying, one of the country’s most exclusive restaurants shuts down. The Willows Inn property, one inspiration for the recent chef-y horror movie The Menu, has been donated to a nonprofit, The Seattle Times reported on Monday. Since the restaurant opened on Lummi Island in 2010, a flood of diners from around the world made the two-hour drive and ferry ride from Seattle, Washington, for a taste of its rustic-chic menu and lush surroundings. But over the past five years, the Willows Inn has faced a series of lawsuits, plus an April 2021 New York Times investigation outlining accusations of wage theft, sexual harassment, and racist bullying. Despite the allegations, droves of employee resignations, and various protests by locals, the restaurant managed to stay open until November of this year, finally serving its last meal the week before Thanksgiving." - ByAli Francis