At the Heart of STATE
STATE is the kind of place that could only exist because of friendship, deep respect for food, and a shared belief that meals can do more than feed us—they can connect, ground, and inspire.
Founded by Visionary Tu Le and Chef Aaron Willis, STATE is both a reflection of their individual paths and a convergence of their vision. Tu, a Vietnamese immigrant raised in Southern California, brings a deeply personal lens to food—rooted in family, memory, and his West Coast upbringing. Willis, raised in the Pacific Northwest and trained across the globe, brings a perspective sharpened by decades of professional experience—from Seattle to Bali, from the mountains of Washington to the streets of Berlin.
The two met nearly 20 years ago and formed a lasting friendship built on shared values, creative energy, and a deep respect for food. Over years of collaboration, cooking, and dreaming, the idea for STATE began to take shape—not as a restaurant chasing trends, but as a space rooted in intentionality, generosity, and quiet beauty.
Chef Tu Le
STATE is a reflection of their combined lives, travels, and philosophies. It’s a restaurant, yes—but also a home for ideas, flavors, and details that matter. Together, Tu and Willis have created something rare: a place that feels deeply personal, but open to all.
Chef Aaron Willis
Tu and Willis each bring something distinct to the table. Tu’s food carries the quiet influence of his Vietnamese upbringing, layered with the techniques and flavors he’s picked up over years in professional kitchens. His cooking is soulful, clean, and expressive. Willis draws from a wide-reaching culinary life—from Pacific Northwest kitchens to far-flung food cultures—with a gift for creating spaces that feel both elevated and welcoming. Together, they’ve created something rare: a restaurant that reflects who they are, and makes space for others to feel at home too.