Lisa Dupar gazes across her bustling Redmond restaurant and catering business, reflecting on the journey that began four decades ago. “I was really concerned that I was out in the sticks,” she admits, recalling her initial trepidation about opening a restaurant in a town that seemed remote at the time. However, her fortunes began to change when she started delivering food to a nearby startup that was just beginning to make waves.
“I remember serving food and hearing someone in the room say, ‘We’re going to call it Windows,’” Dupar chuckles, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. “I just kiss the ground that Microsoft walks on.” Her business has flourished alongside Microsoft, which has evolved into a global powerhouse through various technological revolutions, from Windows to gaming consoles, and now, the cloud.
Celebrating Milestones
On a recent Friday, Microsoft marked its 50th anniversary with an exclusive event on its Redmond campus, attended by around 1,000 employees. The celebration featured actress Brenda Song as emcee and brought together the company’s three CEOs: Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer, and current leader Satya Nadella. Musical interludes by Allen Stone added a festive touch to this two-hour talk show/presentation, which not only commemorated the past but also cast a spotlight on the future—artificial intelligence.
Microsoft has committed a staggering billion to enhance its AI infrastructure, including the development of data centers in central Washington. This investment aims to streamline the capabilities of its new product, “Copilot,” which promises to assist users in various tasks, from drafting research papers to planning events and even producing podcasts. The rollout of several features is expected in the coming weeks and months, tailored to user locations.
As Microsoft celebrates its achievements, it faces challenges as well. The tech giant is currently advocating against new tax proposals that could hinder its growth in Washington state. Redmond Mayor Angela Birney expressed her satisfaction with Microsoft’s contributions to the community, highlighting the company’s investments in infrastructure, such as a pedestrian overpass over Highway 520 and support for Sound Transit’s LINK light rail project.
“There are many smaller companies that have been able to grow because of Microsoft’s impact; we see a thriving gaming industry now,” Birney noted. “Had they chosen Albuquerque to set up shop instead, I think we would be living in a very different landscape.” Gates and co-founder Paul Allen made the pivotal decision to relocate the company from Albuquerque to Redmond in 1979, motivated by their desire to attract top talent.
While the presence of Microsoft has undeniably transformed the region’s traffic and affordability, Dupar remains grateful for the opportunities it has created. She now employs 250 people, and her sister restaurant, Pomegranate Bistro, has been a staple in the community for two decades. Having catered weddings for high-profile executives, she has witnessed countless connections blossom within her establishment.
“I don’t think I would be here. To be quite frank, I think Microsoft has been the reason I have been here for 40 years,” Dupar reflects, her appreciation for the tech giant evident in her words.
