Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark LaValle and Jordan Lane.
At Hatch Cafe & Market, Restaurateur Mark displays his passion for hospitality by bringing a superior level of service and experience to his new eatery in Agoura Hills.
Mark 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, he was rapidly promoted to Vice President of Design & Development, where he managed all aspects of both the creative and the construction of 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 over 20 years, Mark 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. During this time, Mark 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 2017, the restaurateur partnered with fiance, 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 Mark is not at Hatch (to which he lives walking distance) you can find him working with of his DMB Group clients, on the golf course or heading to the beach with his three children and fiance.
Jordan displays her passion for style, baking and the artisanal as creative director, bringing an elevated family dining experience to Agoura Hills.
After graduating high school at the age of 16, Jordan simultaneously pursued a career in music while taking culinary courses at California State University, Northridge. After years of singing, songwriting and touring, Jordan got her feet wet in the fashion industry at Lisa Kline on LA’s renowned Robertson Blvd. Throughout the years, Jordan’s experiences’ have grown to include serving as a buyer and manager of Tracey Ross on Sunset Blvd. and head of VIP client relations for luxury boutiques and numerous designer brands. After more than a decade honing her craft, Jordan decided to branch out with business partner Meg Chapman to start MCJLC, providing styling and personal shopper services for both private and celebrity clients.
During her downtime, Jordan has always been drawn to the kitchen where she feeds her first love, baking. In 2017, alongside fiance and Restaurateur Mark, the two embarked on the journey to bring a neighborhood eatery project to their town of Agoura Hills. Integral to the process, Jordan brings her knowledge of the arts to serve as Creative Director at Hatch Cafe & Market. Here she curates the shelves with her favorite local and small-batch products including SQIRL, Ojai Olive Oil Company, Jacobson Salts, as well as luxury aprons custom designed by Jordan herself. Also, on the menu, you will find many of her baked goods that include Gluten and Sugar-free options.
Together with her fiance and three kids (whose names you will find on select menu items), Jordan continues to craft new family recipes to showcase at Hatch.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The biggest challenge was getting things set up so quickly and then finding consistency with the day to day operations.
Once we accomplished that it was how to best get the word out to all the locals and build a business organically yet trying to maintain financial stability.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Hatch Cafe & Market – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Hatch Cafe & Market is a neighborhood eatery project serving rustic California fare from Restaurateur Mark LaValle and stylist Jordan Lane.
The masterwork of LaValle, Hatch Cafe & Market serves as a community dining destination and is a welcoming addition to Agoura Hills. The family-owned shop offers a carefully curated breakfast and lunch menu, a wide variety of artisan products.
The space — which features a chalkboard menu, communal dining table and gallery walls filled with autre China plates and vintage mirrors — is designed around comfort, representing the family’s commitment to offering a gourmet dining experience with ease. The market shelves, curated by Lane are stocked with local favorites including SQIRL, Ojai Olive Oil Company, Jacobson Salts, as well as limited-edition custom designed aprons, napkins and tablecloths. Completely customizable gift baskets for all occasions are available year round.
For the menu, LaValle turned to his fiance’s brother, LA Roots Catering Co.’s Isaiah Seay to serve as Executive Chef. Everything served at Hatch is made on site, using the best quality ingredients and farmers-market produce. The cafe turns out a range of items including gourmet salads, creative sandwiches and wraps, gluten and grain free selections, modern egg dishes, and delightful options for kids. Though Chef Seay’s menu changes regularly with the seasons, you will be sure to enjoy local favorites year round including Gluten Free Green Tea Pancakes with matcha maple syrup, the House Chopped Salad with spicy crispy chickpeas, Isla’s Fried Chicken Sandwich with a chili-ponzu slaw and of course housemade Organic Lemonade. In addition, many of the baked goods and dessert recipes come directly from Lane’s personal recipe book.
Perfect for a day at the beach or concert in the park, Hatch offers curated picnic baskets stocked to the brim with everything you need for the perfect meal-on-the-go. With a variety of catering services, ranging from daily office orders to private on and off-site parties and events, Hatch Cafe & Market stands behind its mission of bringing family and friends together, one meal at a time.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We are getting married this spring! This is obviously a major focus for us right now.
As Hatch Cafe and Market continues to grow we plan to expand with a second location later this year.
Contact Info:
- Address: 30651 Thousand Oaks Blvd.
Agoura Hills, CA 91301 - Website: www.hatcheatery.com
- Phone: 818.575.9000
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @hatcheatery
- Facebook: Hatch Cafe & Market
- Twitter: @HatchCafeMarket
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/hatch-cafe-and-market-agoura-hills
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
