Made Together is our monthly spotlight on the incredible clients we collaborate with, and the custom projects we create to help bring their brands to life. Every project tells a story, and we’re proud to share how these partnerships turn ideas into something tangible and impactful beyond the print.
O’DONNELL LEGACY: FAMILY, COMMUNITY, HOSPITALITY
Shawn O’Donnell dove head-first into the restaurant business in 1982 at just 22 years old, opening a 48-seat sandwich shop called The Lunch Box in Mountlake Terrace. Five years later, armed with more
experience and a little more capital, he renovated a struggling restaurant in Everett into what eventually became the first Shawn O’Donnell’s. Nearly two decades of learning, growing, and building relationships within the local community followed, eventually leading to the location we know and love today: Shawn O’Donnell’s American Grill & Irish Pub in South Everett.
As the family business evolved, Shawn and his wife Tina were joined by their two grown children, Shawn Jr. and Sophie, along with Sophie’s husband, Joel. Together, alongside some dedicated family and friends, they expanded the brand beyond Everett and secured a landmark location at the base of Seattle’s iconic Smith Tower—once the tallest building west of the Mississippi before the Space Needle. The location quickly became a resounding success, nestled in the heart of Pioneer Square and neighboring the Seahawks and Sounders stadiums. From there, growth continued with openings in Fremont, Spokane, Mount Vernon, and eventually Butte, Montana.
The Butte location was shaped by longtime business partner Irish Johnny, who was born and raised in Ireland and has always helped guide the brand’s commitment to its Irish roots. Housed in a carefully restored 1884 building, the space honors Butte’s historic charm while embracing the warmth and character 
of an Irish pub. The result was a beloved community gathering place, earning Irish Johnny recognition as Entrepreneur of the Year and Best New Business in the “Ireland of the Rockies.”
Through every chapter and location, Shawn O’Donnell’s original vision has remained unchanged: to create spirited spaces grounded in family, community, and a deep appreciation for Irish fare and tradition.
SERVICE OVER SELF
At the heart of Shawn O’Donnell’s is a deep commitment to community. That support extends beyond their walls through partnerships with organizations like the Red Cross, local first responders, the South Everett Mukilteo Rotary Club, and youth programs such as Snohomish Little League (shoutout to Shawn’s grandkids!). They also view their own team as a community of its own. By offering an industry-leading compensation package, Shawn O’Donnell’s has cultivated an exceptionally low turnover rate, creating consistency, care, and a better experience for every employee and guest.
That sense of family is more than a value; it’s how the business operates. Immediate and extended family members work side-by-side, and every team member is treated with the same respect and support. This approach also extends through meaningful partnerships, including their work with Sherwood Community Services, which provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to become part of the O’Donnell’s family.
That same spirit of hospitality and inclusion is felt most vividly during their signature celebrations. Locals won’t want to miss Shawn O’Donnell’s St. Patrick’s Week, running March 9–17, 2026. Known for delivering the most authentic Irish pub experience in the region—paired with a comforting American twist—O’Donnell’s turns St. Patrick’s Day into a week-long celebration, complete with a different event each day. It’s an experience worth joining the crowds for, capturing the energy, warmth, and joy of an Irish pub on its favorite holiday of the year.
A WIN-WIN PARTNERSHIP
It’s clear that Shawn O’Donnell’s and Screen Printing Northwest share core values—community commitment, quality craftsmanship, and genuinely personable service—which is why the partnership continues to grow. Development Director Joel Taylor spoke with Screen Printing Northwest about the role our customer service and adaptability have played in supporting the restaurant’s evolving needs.
“Many years ago, we had staff apparel and consumer offerings that weren’t that great,” Joel shared. “The SPNW team helped improve the quality of our garments, and in turn, the comfort of our staff and
guests, while still keeping everything affordable.”
For Joel, integrity is paramount in any business relationship, and it’s a value he sees reflected in our partnership. In a people-driven industry, mistakes inevitably happen, but taking ownership and working through them together has built trust and kept O’Donnell’s coming back.
Today, every team member—from back of house to executive chef to the front-facing staff—is outfitted in apparel printed by Screen Printing Northwest. The team also collaborates with SPNW each year to create a custom St. Patrick’s Day design that quickly becomes a fan favorite, something O’Donnell’s is proud to offer its guests annually.
Operating in a tight-margin industry means there’s little room for unnecessary overspending. Joel shared that without the time and care Taylor Baehm and Jerry Barhanovich at Screen Printing Northwest have invested in understanding their business and building a long-standing relationship, offering apparel simply wouldn’t be feasible for O’Donnell’s.
“It’s nice to have a business partnership that recognizes, understands, and works alongside us for a win-win situation.”
Because the guest experience at Shawn O’Donnell’s is rooted in hospitality, service, and consistency, having professional and cohesive team uniforms makes a meaningful difference—something Screen Printing Northwest truly understands. Looking ahead, O’Donnell’s is excited to explore promotional goods as the next chapter of the partnership.
“Thanks to the support and partnership in apparel, we’re able to consider expanding our customer offerings. It’s exciting to know supplemental goods may lie ahead thanks to the valued team at Screen Printing Northwest.”
