Ray’s Boathouse

Chris Cornell started working in this Seattle institution as a dishwasher back in the early 1980s. According to a Seattle Times article from around the one-year anniversary of his death, the young, long-haired teenager used to enjoy impersonating rock stars while he hosed off floor mats down by the dock. His older brother (Peter) got him the job, and he in turn, got his friend Kevin a job. Some say that Kevin from the song “Full On Kevin’s Mom” off Soundgarden’s 1989 major label debut is a reference to Chris’ former friend and co-worker.

In the mid-80s, the Cornell brothers left Ray’s for a brief stint at Capitol Hill’s Rain City Grill before the Soundgarden frontman finally dedicated himself to his band full time. Soundgarden continued until going on a 14 years hiatus, which started in 1997. A month before their first breakup, Cornell attended a retirement party for his former boss and head chef at Ray’s. None of his former co-workers are still at Ray’s, but the seafood restaurant which overlooks the Shilshole Bay is still going strong after more than 65 years.