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Outside the Box: Gourmondo Founder Launches Olivina
Alissa Leinonen’s new venture brings her seasonal, Northwest approach to weddings, milestone celebrations, and elevated events.
This article originally appeared in the September/October 2026 issue of Seattle magazine.
After 30 years, Alissa Leinonen—founder of renowned catering and box-lunch company, Gourmondo—has launched a new venture. Called Olivina, the new luxury catering and events company focuses on highly personalized, elevated experiences ranging from weddings or other milestone celebrations to corporate gatherings.
What started with $4,000 from a refinanced car (and a tiny café in Pike Place Market) has grown into a regional empire. With her new venture, Leinonen plans to continue her dedication to fresh, quality, seasonal ingredients and helping Northwesterners mark special moments in their lives.
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7 Washington Fall Festivals Worth the Drive
Autumn is back. Celebrate with fresh-hop beer, apple harvests, returning salmon, cranberries, and more.
Explore 7 fun Washington fall festivals worth the drive, from Leavenworth's Autumn Leaf Festival and Issaquah Salmon Days to CrabFest and Fresh Hop Ale.
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