Smokehouse buys Famous Pacific Dessert Company, has national plans

The Famous Pacific Dessert Company has been acquired by another food company in a deal that makes the desserts available around the country.

Woodinville-based Alaska Smokehouse completed the purchase Friday, said Jack Praino, president of the salmon-packing company. Looking to expand the Alaska Smokehouse product line, the privately held company bought the dessert maker's brand name, recipes, customer list and some equipment for $50,000 cash. The dessert company had been in bankruptcy reorganization.

Praino said desserts give his company a new way to grow.

"We think the dessert side is bigger than the salmon side," Praino said.

The cheesecakes, tortes and cakes that made the Seattle dessert maker a local favorite will soon be available nationwide at 5,000 gourmet food shops that sell smoked salmon from Alaska Smokehouse.

The new company name is Alaska Smokehouse and The Famous Pacific Dessert Company, but that may be changed in the future, Praino said.

The Famous Pacific Dessert Company filed for bankruptcy protection in the fall and was looking for a buyer. The company's now-closed Mercer Street shop was losing money, and sales to food stores had slipped, Praino said.

The company will focus on sales to small clients, Praino said. The new company has no plans to reopen the dessert shop.

Frank Vinluan can be reached at 206-464-2291 or fvinluan@seattletimes.com.