Gourmondo founder launches luxury catering and events company

August 6, 2026 - 17:57

Alissa Leinonen, the founder behind Seattle's well-known Gourmondo, is starting a new chapter. She has launched Olivina, a catering and events company focused on the high end of the market. The move comes as Gourmondo itself celebrates three decades in business.

Olivina is designed to offer a more personalized and polished experience for clients planning weddings, corporate galas, and private dinners. Leinonen says the new brand will focus on detail-driven service, custom menus, and a level of hospitality that goes beyond standard catering. While Gourmondo has built a reputation for its cafes, prepared foods, and everyday catering, Olivina will operate as a separate entity with its own team and approach.

The timing is notable. Gourmondo has been a staple in the city since the mid-1990s, known for its sandwiches, salads, and grab-and-go options. Leinonen built that business from a single shop into a local institution. Now she is shifting her attention to a more exclusive segment of the industry.

Olivina will handle events of various sizes, but the focus is on quality over volume. Leinonen mentioned that the new company will work closely with clients to craft unique experiences, from the table settings to the final course. She is also bringing in chefs and event planners who have worked in fine dining and luxury hotels.

For now, Gourmondo will continue to operate as before. Leinonen says she is not walking away from the original brand but rather expanding her vision. The two companies will share some back-end resources, but Olivina will have its own identity and standards. She sees this as a natural evolution, not a departure.

The first Olivina events are already on the calendar for late spring. Leinonen says she is looking forward to getting back to the creative side of food and service, working directly with hosts and venues to build something memorable. After thirty years in the business, she believes there is still room to push the boundaries of what catering can be in Seattle.