Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiona Wachter.
Kiona, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in the restaurant industry. My father owned the iconic Eric Ericsson’s Fish Company in Ventura where I worked from a young age. After a while my father let me take over the snack bar which I created into Beach House Tacos on the Ventura Pier. I soon after took over the Ericsson’s and transformed it into what is now Beach House Fish.
I realized that I wanted to open a restaurant that was closer to my heart stylistically. I began looking for space and found the perfect place in my hometown Ojai where we now have The Nest. Ironically my father and godmother opened the original Nest only two buildings down back in the 1980s where we coined the name. Much of the menu is an ode to my late grandma Janet who has inspired me in my culinary pursuit.
Has it been a smooth road?
Growing up in the industry definitely gave me quite a bit of insight into the working mechanisms of running a restaurant. Though with any new venture there are always kinks to work out and new lessons to learn. It has been an adventure that’s for sure and has been quite lucky to have amazing support along the way.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Nest Ojai story. Tell us more about the business.
If we had to put The Nest into a category, we would call it “modern comfort” food. We focus on seasonally organic, local and sustainable ingredients. We work closely with local farmers as well as local wineries and breweries. Our menu will rotate with what is available seasonally in all aspects.
We smoke all our meat in the house as well as specialize in vegan and vegetarian options. We want there to be something available for everyone to eat. We even make our own shrubs, infusions and simple syrups in house for all of our craft cocktails.
Because we hold Ojai so dear to our hearts we really wanted to create a place for the community. We have named many of our menu items to family members who have local businesses in town such as the Wachter Hay and Grain pizza (an ode to our grandparents who owned the feed store on the same block) and the Tireman for our uncle who owns the Tire shop in Oak View.
I think what sets us apart is that even though we are a walk up and order service you are still able to enjoy a quality meal.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I feel that a lot of restaurants are focusing on the same aspect we are. Offering the best ingredients available to their community. I think that supporting local farmers is extremely important and that other eateries are striving to support the community around them.
I just want our guests to not only indulge but to be feeling good about what they are putting into their bodies. I only want to see this industry expand on the importance of quality food and the support of those around them.
Contact Info:
- Address: 401 East Ojai Avenue Ojai, CA 93023
- Website: thenestojai.com
- Phone: 805-798-9035
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @thenestojai
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