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. She has opened many restaurants in Anchorage, including Snow City Café, which celebrated their 28th anniversary this year, Spenard Roadhouse, and South Restaurant + Coffeehouse. Laile is also the managing partner for Crush Bistro and for the restaurants’ administrative services business, Locally Grown Restaurants.

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; 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, 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.