#7 Sustainable Success: Inside Gather’s 15-Year Journey with Eric Fenster

In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, join Sebastian Stahl as he interviews Eric Fenster, co-founder of Gather Restaurant in Berkeley, CA. Eric shares his journey from outdoor education to sustainable dining, discussing Gather's unique 50/50 vegan-omnivore menu balance, their award-winning vegan charcuterie, and navigating the challenges of the pandemic. 

Learn how Gather's commitment to sustainability and community has driven its success for 15 years, and get a glimpse into Eric's exciting vision for the future of hospitality. 

This episode offers invaluable insights for restaurateurs on menu innovation, sustainability, creating meaningful dining experiences, and building a resilient business through challenging times.

Chapters with Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction to Eric Fenster and Gather Restaurant 

2:51 - Eric's journey from outdoor education to hospitality 

5:36 - The concept and philosophy behind Gather Restaurant 

9:52 - Balancing sustainability, creativity, and business success 

15:29 - The story of Gather's award-winning vegan charcuterie 

19:11 - Pandemic pivots: Creating an innovative outdoor dining space 

22:02 - Overcoming challenges during the pandemic 

26:30 - The current state of the restaurant industry and Gather's approach 

28:43 - Eric's proudest moments with Gather 

30:25 - Lessons learned from working with Highwind One Hospitality 

32:47 - Future plans for Gather and community engagement 

34:37 - Eric's vision for integrating hospitality, agriculture, and community 

38:00 - Closing thoughts and the importance of bringing people together

Restaurant Leaders Unplugged with Sebastian Stahl

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