Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Wachsmuth.
Hi Michelle, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Dan & Louis Oyster Bar has been a Portland tradition since 1907, making it one of the city’s oldest family-owned restaurants. Founded by the Wachsmuth family, we’ve spent generations serving fresh seafood, oysters, and classic Northwest hospitality. Over the years, we’ve weathered changing times while staying true to what has always mattered most—quality food, genuine service, and creating a place where locals and visitors alike feel at home. Today, we’re proud to carry on that legacy, honoring our history while continuing to serve new generations of guests in the heart of downtown Portland.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like many long-standing family businesses, we’ve faced our share of challenges over the years. We’ve weathered economic downturns, changing dining trends, rising food costs, and the increasing difficulty of sourcing high-quality seafood. One of the biggest challenges in our history was navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced us to rethink how we served our guests while keeping our staff and community safe. Being located in downtown Portland has also brought unique challenges in recent years, from shifts in foot traffic to changing business conditions. Through it all, we’ve relied on the support of our loyal customers, dedicated employees, and our commitment to preserving a tradition that has been part of Portland for well over a century. Every challenge has reinforced the importance of adaptability while staying true to the values that have defined Dan & Louis Oyster Bar since 1907.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Dan & Louis Oyster Bar, we specialize in serving the freshest seafood and oysters with the kind of hospitality that’s become increasingly rare. For more than a century, we’ve been committed to honoring the traditions of the Pacific Northwest while creating a welcoming place where everyone—from lifelong regulars to first-time visitors—feels like family. Many of our recipes and traditions have been passed down through generations, and we take pride in preserving that history while continuing to evolve with our guests’ tastes.
What we’re most proud of is the legacy we’ve built. As one of Portland’s oldest family-owned restaurants, we’ve been fortunate to celebrate milestones, family gatherings, business lunches, and countless memorable meals with our community for generations. That trust and loyalty mean everything to us.
What sets us apart isn’t just our longevity—it’s our commitment to consistency, quality, and genuine hospitality. We believe that great seafood starts with the freshest ingredients, but it’s the people, the history, and the experience that keep guests coming back year after year. Being able to continue a tradition that has been part of Portland since 1907 is something we never take for granted.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that success doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built one customer, one meal, and one relationship at a time. Focus on consistency, treat people well, and never compromise on quality. Trends will come and go, but integrity and genuine hospitality never go out of style.
We also wish we had known just how important it is to be adaptable. The restaurant industry is constantly changing, and every generation brings new challenges and opportunities. Being willing to evolve while staying true to your core values is what allows a business to stand the test of time.
Most importantly, remember that your team and your customers are your greatest assets. Invest in your people, appreciate your loyal guests, and build a business that reflects who you are. If you do that, you’ll create something that lasts far beyond the day-to-day operations. I always say if we have to be here everyday together we should all be friends and it works!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.danandlouis.com
- Instagram: @oysterbarpdx
- Facebook: OysterBarPDX
