Executive Chef Tyler Rebman is the co-owner of Fireside, a new restaurant located in the heart of Downtown Burien. “In our first joint venture, co-owners Matt Pontious, Jose Betancourt and myself wanted to open an approachable and comfortable bar and restaurant for people to come relax and feel at home, while offering great food, drinks and service,” Rebman says. “It’s been fun to bring a bit of the Midwest to the PNW.” Learn about Tyler Rebman…
Hometown: Rockford, Illinois
First job: My first job was mowing the neighborhood lawns as a kid.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in WA: We’re pretty lucky that Washington State offers an endless variety of outdoor activities. In my free time, I enjoy snowboarding, riding dirt bikes, mountain biking and surfing.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: My biggest accomplishment is co-owning three successful restaurants over the last 10 years at Seattle Center, and now successfully opening Fireside in such a difficult time for the restaurant industry.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: The biggest obstacle I have overcome was getting through the pandemic and owning restaurants – all while trying to keep my sanity.
Someone who inspires you and why: My father is my biggest inspiration. He is an extremely hard worker and always supportive and caring even in the worst of times.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: I think pursuing a career in restaurants is a bold risky move for anyone. It can be very gratifying, but it can also be thankless so I guess a “buyer beware” mentality is the best approach if restaurant ownership is your career path.
Favorite quote: “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” I need to tell myself this daily because I do sweat the small stuff.
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I’m a very nostalgic person, which may surprise some people.
What makes someone fabulous: I think a fabulous person is someone that is not afraid to learn, admit when they are wrong, be humble, compassionate and, last but not least, fun.