We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Adri Botti, Jona Jaime & Ricky Costa. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Adri Botti, Jona Jaime & Ricky Costa below.
Adri , Jona & Ricky, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
Trenchers Kitchen and Tap is own by Argentineans friends, Ricky, Jona & Adri. We are three families with deep connections since early childhood. Adri relocated seven years ago due to her husband’s work and embraced their new area. Ricky and Jona moved once we bought the restaurant. Jona and Jus, his wife, have both a mobility disability.
Our optimism is deeply rooted in the inspiring example set by the resilient couple and co-owner of Trenchers Kitchen and Tap, Jona and Jus. Theirs unwavering determination and ability to overcome challenges, especially considering the physical obstacles they face, serve as a constant source of inspiration. Witnessing their positive attitude and refusal to let their mobility impairments hinder their progress has undoubtedly instilled hope and a positive outlook within your community. It’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder that challenges can be faced with resilience and optimism. Their story reflects the power of a positive mindset in navigating through life’s difficulties and serves as a driving force behind your shared optimism as a community.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As the proud owners of Trenchers Kitchen and Tap in Renton, WA, we’re thrilled to share what makes our restaurant truly special. Trenchers is not just a place to enjoy a wide variety of draft beer and cider while catching your favorite game; it’s an evolving culinary experience that blends American and Latin American flavors to create a unique and diverse menu.
What sets us apart is our commitment to providing a vibrant atmosphere with 50 cold beers on rotating taps, an extensive selection of bottles and cans, craft cocktails, and entertainment almost every day of the week. We take pride in serving American-style food with a focus on quality, incorporating sustainable seafood, Macrina Bakery brioche and breads delivered daily, and crafting housemade pickled vegetables, sauces, and dressings. Our dedication to inclusivity is reflected in our menu, which offers gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.
We have expanded our offerings to include authentic Argentinean dishes, bringing a taste of Latin America to our patrons. From housemade Argentinean empanadas to upcoming additions like Argentinean sausages and retail products from Argentina, such as cookies, yerba mate, and sweets, we are taking a flavorful journey beyond borders. Soon, you’ll even be able to order empanadas for pickup in the eastside area too.
This expansion is a turning point for Trenchers Kitchen & Tap, redefining our identity to encompass not just beer, cider, and American food, but also the rich and diverse tastes of Latin America. We invite you to join us on this exciting culinary adventure as we continue to innovate, bringing you the best of both worlds in every dish and experience. Cheers to a fusion of flavors at Trenchers!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on our journey with Trenchers Kitchen and Tap, three key qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have been particularly impactful:
1. **Adaptability and Innovation:**
The restaurant industry is dynamic and constantly evolving. Being adaptable to changes in market trends, customer preferences, and external factors is crucial, which we are still trying to understand these factors. Innovation, whether in menu offerings or business strategies, allows us to stay ahead. For those starting their journey, my advice is to cultivate a mindset that embraces change and encourages creative problem-solving. Attend industry events, talk to your suppliers about new things coming up from their brands, stay informed about emerging trends, and be open to trying new approaches.
2. **Customer-Centric Approach:**
Prioritizing the customer experience has been fundamental to our success. Understanding and catering to the needs of our diverse customer base has helped us build loyalty and attract new patrons. For example, we have tried different type of entertaiment considering what customers like or dont like. We also hear and pay attention to every comment they make to us. Developing strong communication and interpersonal skills is essential. Engage with customers, actively seek feedback, and use it to enhance your offerings. For newcomers, my advice is to genuinely listen to your customers, learn from their preferences, and build a brand that resonates with their expectations.
3. **Culinary Knowledge and Passion:**
A deep understanding of the culinary arts, coupled with a genuine passion for food, has been a driving force and what helped us decide to introduce Argentinean food specifically and around the world food to our menu. This extends not only to the preparation of dishes but also to sourcing high-quality ingredients and creating a menu that reflects our vision. For those starting out, invest time in honing your culinary skills, stay curious about different cuisines, and experiment with flavors.
Advice for those early in their journey:
– **Continuous Learning:** Stay curious and never stop learning. Attend workshops, seminars, and industry events to stay updated on trends and best practices. Even watching videos on youtube or following instagramers helps us understand what people is looking for.
– **Networking:** Build a strong network within the industry. Connect with fellow restaurant owners, chefs, and professionals, suppliers and the community. Learn from their experiences, share insights, and collaborate whenever possible.
– **Resilience:** The restaurant business can be challenging. Develop resilience to navigate setbacks, learn from failures, and keep moving forward. Every obstacle is an opportunity to grow. Changing your menu regularly helps you understand what your customers like or dont like.
– **Customer Engagement:** Actively engage with your customers. Listen to their feedback, adapt to their preferences, and create a welcoming atmosphere that keeps them coming back. Make them feel special and recognize their loyalty.
– **Building a strong team** Creating a strong and effective team for your restaurant is crucial for its success. Remember, building a strong team is an ongoing process. Regularly assess the team dynamics, listen to feedback, and make adjustments as needed to ensure a positive and productive working environment.
– **Passion:** Let your passion for your craft drive your efforts. A genuine love for what you do will resonate with both your team and your customers.
Remember, the journey is a continuous learning process, and each step contributes to your growth and success. Embrace the challenges, stay true to your vision, and enjoy the rewarding moments along the way.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Over the past 12 months, our most significant area of improvement has been the successful addition of a private events space, named The Hangout, at Trenchers Kitchen and Tap. This expansion has been a substantial undertaking, representing not only a physical enhancement but also a commitment to providing a unique and inviting atmosphere for our customers.
The challenges we faced in realizing this improvement were diverse and demanding. From a financial standpoint, we navigated the complexities of budget constraints, allocating resources strategically to ensure the project’s success. Working closely with contractors, obtaining necessary approvals and licenses from the city, and collaborating with firefighters for safety compliance were integral aspects of the process. These efforts involved a diverse group of individuals, highlighting the collaborative nature of building improvements and the various stakeholders required for a project of this scale.
The conception and execution of The Hangout were particularly challenging, as translating our vision onto paper demanded careful consideration and creative communication. Defining the desired atmosphere, functionality, and overall experience for our customers required thoughtful planning and effective collaboration with the entire team.
In summary, the addition of The Hangout has been a transformative journey that goes beyond physical expansion. It represents our dedication to creating a space where friends can gather in a relaxed atmosphere, separate from the hustle and bustle of the main restaurant. Whether for casual hangouts or event celebrations, The Hangout adds a new dimension to Trenchers Kitchen and Tap.
As we continue to refine and integrate this exciting addition into our overall offering, we look forward to providing an even more diverse and enjoyable experience for our valued customers. The growth achieved in the past year serves as a testament to our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.trencherskitchenandtap.com
- Instagram: trenchersrenton
- Facebook: trenchersrenton
- Yelp: trenchers kitchen and tap
