Our Story
Our journey reflects the power of embracing uncertainty and the joy of community, shaping a restaurant where memories are cherished. We are deeply thankful to be part of this journey with you.
Becoming a restaurant owner was never in my plans, but life had a different path in store for me. Surrendering to the unexpected turned out to be a powerful journey.
The story began in August 2019 when a restaurant owner in Manteca approached Marilu with an enticing proposition—to feature her desserts on their menu. I encouraged her to seize the opportunity, but she needed a commercial kitchen to meet compliance requirements.
Around the same time, a small restaurant specializing in sandwiches and soups, located at 115 E Main St, was up for sale. It was an investment opportunity that would provide Marilu with the commercial kitchen she needed. The purchase was finalized in October 2019, and we embarked on our journey.
The original intention was to turn the location into a bakery, but those plans shifted with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Marilu adapted, offering to-go dinners that were warmly received by our community.
A few months later, the owner of the bar at 111 E Main St reached out. Kara needed to offer food to comply with California’s COVID-19 regulations for bars, so I told her, “Let’s get you opened.” We collaborated for several months until she decided to relocate to Tennessee. Once again, the universe conspired in my favor, leading to another fortuitous turn of events—I became the owner of a restaurant and wine bar.
The journey has had its share of ups and downs, from navigating a new trade to facing the challenges of COVID-19 and economic uncertainty. But we are grateful for the opportunities that have come our way, the lessons we’ve learned, and, most importantly, the incredible team we’ve assembled, the wonderful people we’ve met, and the guests who have become like family.
Throughout this journey, we’ve heard heartwarming childhood stories and been entrusted with the difficult moments of adulthood. We’ve provided a shoulder to cry on for some and celebrated victories with others. We’ve even been among the first to learn of a pregnancy, honored with the joyful task of bearing the news to the fortunate grandparents-to-be.
While the struggles have been real, they pale in comparison to the immense joys we’ve experienced. We are humbled and grateful to be part of this amazing community—to share in its stories and to be a place where memories are made and cherished.
In the end, this journey has shown me the incredible power of surrendering to the unknown, allowing it to shape our lives in ways we never could have anticipated. For this, I am profoundly grateful.
Thank you, and love you!