How to keep a seafood shop — and a marriage — fresh for 70 years

University Seafood and Poultry has been run by the Erickson family for 75 years. But now, the owners are closing down the business in Seattle's University District neighborhood for good.

Running a business together can be hard on a marriage. But Dale and Jeannette Erickson did it for 69 years. What’s the secret?

“Stay flexible," Dale said.

"Yes, you’ve got to be very flexible,” Jeannette agreed.

"And understanding," Dale added.

"And don't take your problems home," Jeannette said. "We made that decision when we got married, never to argue. If you have a problem, let's talk it out."

It's hard to imagine how that works in practice. Aren't there times when, despite the conversation, you end up on different sides?

"We're a 51 - 49 marriage," Jeannette explained. In the event of a tie, Dale gets 51 percent of the vote, Jeannette gets 49.

It's worked for them. Having agreed on the rules early, they've been able to keep arguments from growing into the conflagrations that burn down marriages and businesses alike.

"If you love each other, you can work through anything," Jeannette said.

The biggest challenge came in 2001, when their son, who was going to take over the business, died in a snowmobile accident. Jeannette wanted to close, but Dale said no.

"Actually, that was a good choice, because it kept us sane, kept us busy," she said.

Today, their grandson runs it.

"But he's overwhelmed," Dale said, explaining that the business has lost most of their long-term employees to death or retirement, and replacements are hard to find. Also, the city's taking his customers' parking away, he said.

Over the years, customers sought the Ericksons out not just for their fish and chicken, but also for rare meats like camel and python. They developed a loyal following.

“Our customers are family,” Dale said.

And that's why they're not selling the business. To make ends meet in this economy, a new owner would have to compromise on quality, Dale explained. This would tarnish the business's reputation and renege on its promise to offer customers only the finest quality meats.

And for the Ericksons, when you make a promise to someone, you keep it.