Duke’s Seafood Announces New Director of Culinary, Alan Caraco

Though Alan Caraco officially stepped into his role as our culinary captain this year, he’s no stranger to Duke’s Seafood. In fact, he and our beloved Executive Chef Bill Ranniger, who passed away in 2023, shared a friendship that spanned several decades. They both had their culinary debuts at Red Robin before being enticed into Duke’s Seafood’s kitchens. Both share a love for family, the Pacific Northwest, the Steve Miller Band, and leading with kindness. “I always want to make sure our teammates feel appreciated and can be successful in their roles as leaders.”

Ranniger also helped foster Caraco’s love for sustainable seafood and Duke’s Seafood’s commitment to preserving and restoring wild salmon in the Pacific Northwest. “We want to do everything we can to preserve these populations for future generations.” This includes leading Duke’s culinary team this May at the second-annual Saving Wild Salmon Soirée held at Dockside at Duke’s on Lake Union. The first event, held in 2023, raised over $500,000 for local restoration and leadership projects that are moving the needle for wild salmon restoration.

As the culinary director, Caraco not only works daily with the chefs, but he also serves as the creative foodie mastermind and flavor alchemist for what lands on the menu, all while keeping a close eye on sustainability and quality. “I wish people knew even half of what we do to bring them the best.”

For example, Caraco led the charge earlier this year to source expeller-pressed non-GMO canola oil. “Sourcing this was tough. Ninety-nine percent of restaurants use oil that is produced with a lot of chemicals. We wanted a better, simpler, more natural product for our guests.” In 2025, Caraco is looking forward to bringing in new menu items like a lobster roll, Mahi Mahi, some new cuts of steak, and even a custom smoked salmon appetizer. But most of all, Caraco is excited about “being part of an organization that treats me like family. I can’t express how good it makes me feel.”