La Conner Rotary auction honors Terry Brazas

Terry Brazas will be recognized by the Rotary Club of La Conner with its 2022 Paul Harris Recipient at their annual auction fundraiser Aug. 27 for his years of supporting the chapter.

Brazas, a Skagit Valley native, started his long career in hospitality after graduating from Washington State University in 1972. Work took him to Los Angeles, but in 2003 he returned to the valley, beoming the sole proprietor of the Farmhouse Restaurant.

Brazas has always focused on food quality and employee success, saying “you have to be a people person to be successful in the restaurant business. I have enjoyed 50 years in the hospitality field because of the people. I’ve enjoyed young people growing up and developing a solid work ethic (including my own kids). I always tried to provide a safe and positive environment for them to succeed. I also know that environment carried over to our own success.” He expresses appreciation for regular guests, groups and community support during the ups and downs of the restaurant business.

His community involvement includes eight years on the Tulip Festival board, including serving as president. He has shared his passion for the restaurant industry for six years on both the advisory board for the Skagit Valley College Culinary Program and as board member and officer of the Washington State Restaurant Association. For three years he was an adjunct faculty member at the WSU Hospitality School.

With his wife Wendy, he has volunteered 16 years with MS Society on their Skagit Valley Bike Ride and fundraiser. He has given back to many community groups in the form of gift certificates and a whole lot of “Turkey Feasts for 20.”

The Farmhouse Restaurant survived the ups and downs of the economy and COVID-19. Now, it is time fpr Brazas to explore retirement after its successful sale in early 2022.

He has been a great partner to La Conner’s Rotary Club, saying, “I have loved working with the public and different organizations. Without a doubt Rotary was my most consistent group at the Farmhouse, supporting us week after week through thick and thin. For this I’m eternally grateful.”