Elaina M. Morris is the CEO, president, co-founder, and co-owner of Ascend Hospitality Group, a
premier hospitality company headquartered in the Northwest. An accomplished CEO, business
owner, consultant, innovator, and community leader with over 20 years’ experience developing
concepts and creating value in various industries, Morris also holds a master’s degree in
Technology Management. She has launched several local businesses in the hospitality sector,
including WiggleWorks Kids and Ascend Hospitality Group (AHG), with crown jewel, Ascend
Prime, recently named one of Architectural Digest’s Most Romantic Restaurants in the World.
Morris currently serves as trustee for the Washington Hospitality Associations’ Education
Foundation, Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, Samena Club, and is a member of YPO Seattle.
The restaurants under the AHG umbrella — eight currently in development and eleven in
operation ranging from fine-dining to fast-casual — aim to provide guests with a unique and
elevated dining experience. These concepts include Bellevue’s 31st-floor Ascend Prime Steak and
Sushi, Lincoln South Food Hall, five locations of award-winning Famous Dave’s BBQ, and four
Stanford’s Classic American Steakhouse locations. At Ascend Hospitality Group, Morris strives to
create and provide an environment that brings people together through culinary experiences,
raises the bar, and improves standards in the hospitality industry. She believes in investing
wholly in both her team members and guests to take service to the next level.
Ascend Hospitality Group continues to impact and elevate the lives of those who work, play, and
dine in the communities served by the organization. The restaurant group employs more than
600 people in Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and Utah. Through the company’s innovative
approach to hospitality and ties to the community, Morris is also proud to support local
education and associated charitable organizations.