Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark LaValle.
At Hatch Cafe & Market, Restaurateur Mark LaValle displays his passion for hospitality by bringing a superior level of service and experience to his eatery in Agoura Hills. La Valle was first introduced to the restaurant industry when he caught the eye of nightlife impresario Rande Gerber while serving as Director of Operations for Giorgio Armani. While at Gerber Group, La Valle was rapidly promoted to Vice President of Design & Development, where he managed all aspects of both the creative and the construction for countless iconic brands across the globe. In 2007, the east-coaster ventured to Los Angeles to oversee Gerber Group new projects.
It was then that he brokered a partnership deal–3 years in the making–to bring Sean Meenan’s Cafe Habana to Malibu, CA. After more than 20 years LaValle took his newfound knowledge and skills to launch DMB Group, where he develops and operates unique nightlife and restaurant concepts alongside hospitality companies and stand-alone venues. Continuing to thrive, DMB Group has success working with clients such as Umami Burger, Hard Rock Hotel, APICII, SBE and W-Hotels and most recently Massimo Bottura’s collaboration with Gucci. During this time, LaValle learned that his passion was making people feel at home and wanted to pursue his dream of opening his own family-driven dining experience.
In 2016, the Restaurateur partnered with wife Jordan to open Hatch Cafe & Market. His concept, providing his community with a local eatery filled with artisan products, quality ingredients in a fresh welcoming environment.
When La Valle is not at Hatch (to which he lives within walking distance) you can find him working with of his DMB Group clients, on the golf course or heading to the beach with his four children and wife.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road.
It is hard opening up in a quiet community in an off the path strip mall. Getting the word out is challenging because you lack the foot traffic.
Not to mention in 2018, we had the Woolsey fire and now of course Covid 19.
This has been my most challenging project but it is the most rewarding.
Please tell us about Hatch Cafe and Market.
Hatch is my first project on my own and I wanted to create something that was special to the community. We are making everything from scratch and we pride ourselves on the friendliest atmosphere. I believe when you walk into Hatch you should feel like you’re walking into a friend’s house.
From each item on the menu, the decor, and down to the music we play, we create a familiar comfort for our customers.
Contact Info:
- Address: 30651 Thousand Oaks Blvd
Agoura Hills, CA. 91301 - Website: hatcheatery.com
- Phone: 818.575.9000
- Email: info@hatcheatery.com
- Instagram: @hatcheatery
- Facebook: @hatcheatery
- Twitter: @hatcheatery
- Yelp: Hatch Cafe and Market
Image Credit:
Maria Seay
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