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Tony Pickering began his career as an insurance adjuster for Safeco and was inspired to pivot into the restaurant industry while helping Max and Pauline Dale, then owners of Max Dale’s in Mount Vernon, navigate the insurance paperwork process following a devastating fire that destroyed their business.

After owning Max Dale’s since 1982, Tony decided to look at a location in Stanwood, as many of the Max Dale’s clientele came from the Stanwood and Conway areas. A local realtor showed him the Stanwood Grill building (at that time, a business that had been closed for a few months), and in 2001 Tony opened the Stanwood Grill, creating a sister restaurant that mirrored the fine-dining experience of Max Dale’s.

Danny Pickering, Tony’s son, was the first manager at the Stanwood Grill and completed much of the repair work in preparation for opening. In 2006, he and Paul purchased the restaurant, continuing the family tradition of sophisticated dining and community engagement. Today, Paul and Danny are known for pushing culinary boundaries with innovative menu creations, including gluten-free options, while staying true to their roots.

Stanwood Grill remains the go-to destination for those craving an elevated dining experience in quaint downtown Stanwood. Diners visit Stanwood Grill to enjoy bold, flavorful dishes alongside a signature craft cocktail or paired with the perfect wine.

The summer months bring the added joy of outdoor dining on the deck, featuring a large painted mural to the west.

A Family Legacy of Inspired Cuisine and Community Connection

A Family Legacy of Inspired Cuisine

The Stanwood Grill Story

David Peterson, or ‘Chef David,’ as his staff, customers, and Facebook fans call him, has been crafting culinary delights since the mid-nineties. As the Stanwood Grill's Executive Chef since 2013, Chef David brings an innovative approach to food combinations, flavor, and local freshness. His mouth-watering creations continue to draw new fans and long-time patrons alike.

Meet Chef David

Crafting fresh Culinary Delights

Crafting Culinary Delights

Paul started at Max Dale’s in 1990 under the official job title of ‘Doorman’. He was offered the position of General Manager two years later and purchased both restaurants with his cousin, Danny in 2006

Paul, his wife Maria, and daughter’s Laura and Claire have all been involved with the daily workings of both restaurants for a lifetime.

Maria handles all the bookkeeping and both girls spent their teenage years bussing tables, hostessing, and helping with catering.

Paul Pickering

Danny’s interest in the restaurant business began at the age of four when his father, Tony Pickering, started a new career at Max Dale's Steak & Chop House in Mount Vernon.

Growing up with a dad who loved the creative, social, and business aspects of the industry had a strong influence on Danny, who purchased Max Dale’s and the Stanwood Grill along with his cousin, Paul in 2006.

Danny loves the satisfaction of building a great team that is committed to providing top-shelf hospitality.

Danny Pickering

Our family is just part of the larger family of employees and customers that make the Stanwood Grill special.

Dedicated Partners

Creative Vision Behind the Stanwood Grill

Contact Catering

We specialize in creating catered events that are as unique and memorable as the special occasions they celebrate.

Whether it’s a wedding, corporate gathering, or any special event, our team is dedicated to delivering an exceptional culinary experience.

All catering inquiries are managed by our Mount Vernon team. Max Dale's Steak and Chop House offers two private dining rooms in addition to personalized catering services on location.

Special Catered Events

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Max Dale's Steak & Chop House

Visit Our Sister Restaurant

"The food was excellent, the service was excellent, and the environment was clean and welcoming. It was so great to see that the owner and staff know so many of the customers. It was heartwarming to see the community support, and enjoy this fine restaurant. We highly recommend the Stanwood Grill!"

Barbara Otter

"My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our dinner at the Stanwood grill."

"This place has a definite charm, and the staff is incredibly inviting and friendly making the experience comforting. The flavor of the honey mustard glaze on the pork chop was incredible, and the honey bourbon prawns are so delicious. They had great cocktails and the wine flight was wonderful. We're excited we found this gem in Stanwood."

Misty Kurek

"We're excited we found this gem in Stanwood."

"It was an awsome dining experience with a casual feel. There were nine of us, we had 4 appetizers plus our entrees. Most everyone raved about their meal. Speaking for myself, I loved the bread, the honey bourbon prawn app and my ribeye steak with the red wine demi was AMAZING. If you're in Stanwood, I highly recommend the Stanwood Grill!"

Michelle S.

"If you're in Stanwood, I highly recommend the Stanwood Grill!"

"I just left having the BEST BURGER OF MY LIFE!! I'm still a little in shock, it was absolutely perfect in every way. It can't be topped, I have reached my peak in my lifelong search of burgers. Euphoric really, just wow!"

Mathew Hawkins

"I just left having the BEST BURGER OF MY LIFE!!"

"Wife and I went on a whim. Both had Ribeyes which was covered in a brown reduced sauce/gravy that had bacon and mushrooms. It was delicious. The steak was cooked great and the sauce was so delicious. The potato asparagus mix was perfectly cooked and seasoned that even my wife ate it. I'm still in shock. Will come back again."

Dan Cowles