1107: Jessica + Davin Waite, Owners and Founders of The Plot and Wrench and Rodent

Jessica and Davin Waite are the Co-Owners and Co-Founders of Wrench and Rodent and The Plot in Los Angeles, CA. Davin was previously on the show for episode 679 when The Plot was just being built, back in 2019.

In the mid-'90s after being hired at Ichiban in Santa Barbara, CA, Davin Waite made the decision to drop out of college and chase his new-found passion; food. After a few years of being mentored by local legend, Chef Hiro, Waite made the move to San Diego where he weaseled his way into the kitchen of Cafe Japengo where he further refined his skills. Six years later Waite opened his first business, The Fish Joint (which later rebranded as Pickled Ginger Catering & Events) which was followed by Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub, and The Whet Noodle all located in Oceanside, CA.

Jessica Waite focused on nutrition in school and was training to become a physician when she realized she did not want to be a part of the modern healthcare system. She transitioned to focus on business and got her MBA in that verticle. She met Davin while working in one of his restaurants and they pivoted to open Wrench and Rodent in 2013 and The Plot in 2019. Jessica focuses on FOH, design, and accounting/numbers while Davin is a chef, primarily focused on menu and BOH. There are currently 3 Plot locations.

Favorite success quote/mantra: Jessica: "They didn't say it was going to be easy, they said it was going to be worth in." Davin: "The future is unwritten."

In this episode we will discuss:

• Fundraising
• First time restaurant owner
• Working with your spouse
• Branding
• Marketing
• Veganism
• Burnout
• Sustainability
• AND MORE!

Today's sponsors:

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Contact the guest:

• Instagram: @_jmwaite @davinwaite @theplotrestaurant
• Website: https://theplotrestaurant.com

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