||| FROM AMY CUNNINGHAM for COLUMBIA HOSPITALITY |||
The Outlook Inn on Orcas Island announced that it has been sold to a private investment group. The Farish family is investing in the new ownership entity along with another local family with deep roots on Orcas Island. There are no current plans to change operations or develop the property.
Starting Jan 1, 2022, The Outlook Inn will be managed by Columbia Hospitality, a Seattle-based hospitality management and consulting company. Columbia Hospitality’s growing portfolio includes award-winning local hotels including Friday Harbor House; Salish Lodge & Spa; Semiahmoo Resort, Golf, and Spa; and others.
Adam Farish is excited about the transition and says, “As a family spanning five generations of Orcas Islanders, we have always been focused on stewardship, and this transition is no exception. This ownership structure will give us more stability going forward, and our partnership with Columbia Hospitality will give us access to things we’ve never been able to afford before, like health benefits and retirement plans for our employees. We will have the same product offering going forward at the Inn and at the New Leaf Cafe. Truffle fries aren’t going away!”
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome The Outlook Inn to Columbia Hospitality. The Farish family has done a spectacular job in creating a very special place on Orcas Island, and we’re honored to carry that legacy forward,” said John Oppenheimer, Columbia Hospitality CEO.
Outlook Inn CEO, Sara Farish will remain at the Inn while new General Manager Michael Felso transitions into full-time. Felso previously managed Friday Harbor House and has lived in the San Juans for many years with his wife and three children. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the Orcas community and delivering the service and quality for which The Outlook Inn and Columbia Hospitality are known,” said Felso.
About Columbia Hospitality
Columbia Hospitality (Columbia) is a national management and consulting company established in 1995 by founder and CEO John Oppenheimer. Their growing portfolio includes award-winning hotels and resorts, premier residential communities, restaurants and bars, private and public golf clubs, conference centers, and distinctive venues. Columbia creates exceptional experiences for guests and team members while achieving phenomenal results for property owners. Columbia has also consulted on hundreds of hospitality projects worldwide, delivering a high level of customized service to partners and investors. For more information about Columbia and to view the entire portfolio, visit www.columbiahospitality.com.
Wishing you all every success as the Outlook Inn and Mew Leaf Cafe move through this transition.
oh oh, You can bet there will be some upgrading and remodeling going on over there in order to keep up with what I am calling the Abomination across the street from the church. Probably more high end rooms to come for all our visitors with money. Hurray for them.