Tony Hayes, a 1994 graduate of Highline High School and co-founder of the popular Burien restaurant Classic Eats, has been honored as the 2025 Highline High School Alumni Foundation’s “Alumnus of the Year.”
Originally from New Orleans, Hayes moved to Burien in 1992 and quickly left a lasting mark on the Highline community through academics, athletics, and the arts.
Known for his Southern roots and unmistakable Cajun accent, Hayes earned the nickname “Bayou Bullet” and proudly wore jersey #29 in tribute to his athletic idols Eric Dickerson and Beno Bryant.
“Tony often recalls his introduction to Highline as feeling like a real-life episode of Saved by the Bell, with Matt Kenny perfectly cast as Zack Morris,” the Foundation noted in its recognition speech. “His years at Highline gifted him lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories.”
During his time at Highline, Hayes was deeply involved in student life, participating in orchestra, marching band, football, track and field, and VICA.
He credits Coach Stoltz, Coach Starks, and Coach Wright as his most influential mentors, saying he still feels like a high schooler around them out of pure respect.
After graduation, Hayes studied at Highline Community College, entered the medical field, and later explored music as a rapper. He also worked at Alaska Airlines before finding his passion in the restaurant industry with his wife and fellow Pirate alum, Nora Ramos.
Together, the couple co-founded Classic Eats, an Olde Burien mainstay now celebrating over nine years of success. The couple also has two children—who, Hayes jokes, “despite their roots, now attend Kennedy Catholic (yes, shame on him, he jokes).”
“Tony Hayes is a proud Pirate, a community pillar, and a testament to what it means to take your roots with you wherever life leads,” the Foundation wrote in honoring his achievements.
Hayes was also named one of Burien’s 2022 “Citizens of the Year” for his outstanding works.
Learn more about the Highline High School Alumni Foundation here: http://hhsaf.org
