From Snow City to Locally Grown Restaurants A Chat with Successful Entrepreneur Laile Fairbairn

Laile Fairbairn is a West High grad who came back to Anchorage in 1995 after ten years out of state for college and work in advertising.  Upon her return, she opened up Snow City Cafe, which celebrated its 28th anniversary this year.  The cafe has the title of "Best Breakfast" by Anchorage locals every year since 2003. Since then, she has founded two other popular restaurants, Spenard Roadhouse, South Restaurant + Coffeehouse, and is the managing partner for Crush Bistro, and also for the restaurant's administrative services business, Locally Grown Restaurants.  These companies employ more than 32 people. Laile was twice named a James Beard semi-finalist for Outstanding Restaurateur. She has also received the ATHENA Society Leadership Award, the UAA Culinary Arts Celebrity Chef Invitational Award for Extraordinary Commitment; the Association of Fundraising Professionals Alaska Outstanding Business in Philanthropy; Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneurial Excellence Gold Pan Award, Visit Anchorage's All Alaskan Award; and the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Top 40 Under 40. She has served as a board member of the Anchorage Museum, Anchorage Downtown Partnership, Anchorage International Film Festival, and the UAA Culinary School Advisory Board. She is also very involved with Planned Parenthood of Alaska and the Anchorage ATHENA Society.