Lyf Gildersleeve
Lyf Gildersleeve is the second-generation owner of Flying Fish Company, a sustainable seafood retailer founded by his father in 1979. Based in Portland, Oregon, he grew the business from a food truck into a thriving brick-and-mortar market while advocating for responsible fishing practices.
Lyf Gildersleeve's Bio
Lyf Gildersleeve is the second-generation owner of Flying Fish Company, a sustainable seafood retailer founded by his father in 1979 in Sandpoint, Idaho. Based in Portland, Lyf has grown the family business from a food truck into a thriving fish market, restaurant, and food cart, championing responsible fishing and ocean stewardship.
With extensive experience in aquaculture, aquaponics, and advocacy, Lyf has spent over 15 years as a fishmonger and entrepreneur. He promotes sustainable seafood through speaking and conservation work, serving as a trusted voice on fishery management and climate impacts to coastal communities. His dedication to transparency empowers customers to make informed seafood choices.
Lyf's leadership has guided Flying Fish Company through major milestones: launching the Portland food cart in 2010, opening the Hawthorne fish shack in 2011, moving to Providore Fine Foods in 2016, and debuting a standalone restaurant, oyster bar, and beer garden on East Burnside in 2020. In 2025, he added a food truck while relocating to Mexico to focus on family and remote operations.
Today, Lyf remains deeply involved in the sustainable seafood movement via Marine Fish Conservation Network, regular podcast appearances, and hands-on management of one of Portland's most respected seafood destinations. His story reflects a lifelong dedication to both family legacy and environmental responsibility, proving that a fishmonger's trade can be a force for good in the world.
Career Timeline
1998 — began aquaculture studies at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University
Pursued formal education in aquaculture and marine science, laying the foundation for his career in sustainable seafood.
2001 — Completed aquaculture program at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Finished formal training in aquaculture, preparing to join the family seafood business.
2004 — Volunteer English Teacher in Nongboat, Thailand
Spent four months helping set up an English program for a non-profit in rural Thailand, gaining international perspective before returning to the seafood industry.
2010 — Launched Flying Fish Company Portland food cart
Opened the first Portland location as a food cart at the D Street pod on Division Street, expanding the family business from Idaho into Oregon.
2011 — Opened Flying Fish fish shack on Hawthorne Boulevard at Flying Fish Company
Established a permanent fish shack location on Hawthorne Boulevard, growing the Portland operation into a brick-and-mortar destination.
2016 — Moved Flying Fish to Providore Fine Foods at Flying Fish Company
Relocated to a stand inside Providore Fine Foods on Sandy Boulevard, reaching a broader audience in Portland's food community.
2020 — Opened standalone Flying Fish location on East Burnside at Flying Fish Company
Debuted a full standalone restaurant, oyster bar, and beer garden alongside the fish market, marking the largest expansion of the Portland flagship.
2025 — Debuted Flying Fish food truck and relocated to Mexico at Flying Fish Company
Introduced a mobile food truck for events across Portland while moving to Mexico to focus on family and remote oversight of the business.
