Submitted by Columbia Hospitality.

The Outlook Inn on Orcas Island announced today that it has been sold to a private investment group. The Farish family is investing in the new ownership entity along with another local family with deep roots on Orcas Island. There are no current plans to change operations or develop the property.

Starting Jan 1, 2022, The Outlook Inn will be managed by Columbia Hospitality, a Seattle-based hospitality management and consulting company. Columbia Hospitality’s growing portfolio includes award-winning local hotels including Friday Harbor House, Salish Lodge & Spa, Semiahmoo Resort, Golf, and Spa, and others.

Adam Farish is excited about the transition and says, “As a family spanning five generations of Orcas Islanders, we have always been focused on stewardship, and this transition is no exception. This ownership structure will give us more stability going forward, and our partnership with Columbia Hospitality will give us access to things we’ve never been able to afford before, like health benefits and retirement plans for our employees. We will have the same product offering going forward at the Inn and at the New Leaf Cafe. Truffle fries aren’t going away!”

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome The Outlook Inn to Columbia Hospitality. The Farish family has done a spectacular job in creating a very special place on Orcas Island, and we’re honored to carry that legacy forward,” said John Oppenheimer, Columbia Hospitality CEO.

Outlook Inn CEO, Sara Farish will remain at the Inn while new General Manager Michael Felso transitions into full-time. Felso previously managed Friday Harbor House and has lived in the San Juans for many years with his wife and three children. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the Orcas community and delivering the service and quality for which The Outlook Inn and Columbia Hospitality are known,” said Felso.