Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Peterson and Jennifer Stone. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Diversion was a decade-long dream before it became a brick-and-mortar restaurant. Owners, Ryan Peterson and Jennifer Stone spent many years thinking about developing a business of their own. Ryan worked for over 15 years in the food industry for a wide variety of foodservice corporations, while Jennifer started as a food broker but pursued a career in social work.
After two babies and many job changes, it became clear that expending energy for big corporations, was not worth the time Ryan spent away for a growing family. in 20018, Ryan and Jennifer set two goals 1) get healthier and 2) finally finish that business plan! With some effort and luck, Diversion opened its doors in October 2019. The menu was developed to reflect the lifestyle changes that had resulted in a combined 100-pound pound weight loss between Jennifer and Ryan.
Although we wanted all of our favorite foods on the menu, we also wanted ways to make our favorites accessible to a wide audience, so it was important that most meals could be modified to suit a variety of eating styles and preferences. We decided against traditional cooking styles of flat-top grills and deep fryers and experimented with baking the entire menu. We replace fryer oils with olive oil and sourced local produce. because “keeping it local,” was a priority to us. We worked with local manufacturers, breweries, and distilleries to utilize as many local products as possible.
We also agreed that we wanted to develop an inclusive environment, where anyone would feel welcome and groups could all find menu items to their liking. The idea of a “Social Eatery,” came about in a desire for people to have great food while connecting with one another. we scattered conversation starters throughout the lobby, provided board and card games, have the big games on the big screens, and generally tried to create a space all people can enjoy.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Unfortunately, four months after opening Covid shut everything down. This was a huge blow for us, but we were determined to fight our way through the pandemic in the most ethical ways we could.
We pivoted from primarily dine-in service to carry out and delivery and did our best to keep our employees working as safely as possible. We partnered with community organizations connecting food insecure populations with fresh foods and were able to provide hot meals to hundreds of families. And, somehow made it through our first two years.
Now, in 2022, we continue to struggle with supply chain issues, staffing shortages, and inflation which is a struggle for all small businesses. But, we have fine-tuned our menu and expanded catering services and feel confident about continuing to prove high-quality, tasty food to the awesome community that has rallied to support us.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We are hiring for front-of-house servers and cooks. Please apply at Diversioneatery.com!
Pricing:
- Burgers $9.99
- Pizza 10″ $9.99
- Salads $9.99
- 3 Tacos $10.29
- 10 wings $12.99
Contact Info:
- Email: info@diversioneatery.com
- Website: www.diversioneatery.com
- Instagram: @DiversionSocialEatery
- Facebook: Diversion Social Eatery
- Yelp: Diversion Social Eatery
Image Credits
Valerie Calkins, Ryan Peterson, Jennifer Stone, Adele, and Isla Peterson
