Today we’d like to introduce you to Rocking V Cafe.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Dan having worked in top restaurants at Snowbird Resort and at La Caille in Sandy, UT was recruited by Rocking V Cafe soon after its establishment date in the early 2000s. Over the years, Rocking V Cafe gained a worldwide reputation for its Food, Art, and Fun.
In 2015, Dan was offered by another local entrepreneur to venture a new restaurant Wild Thyme Cafe, immediately, Wild Thyme Cafe was a success for its food. In early 2022, Dan returned to Rocking V Cafe with the agreement for taking ownership of Rocking V Cafe. Ensuring the continued success of all aspects of Rocking V Cafe, Dan recruited his girlfriend (Delia Robinson), his sister (Sarah Jackson), and his brother-in-law (Allen Jackson); each having unique skillsets for its continued operation.
Delia Robinson, having 35 years in the restaurant industry, gained skills in Hostess/Waitressing, front end-management, customer service, alcohol regulations, food cost/pricing, and ordering. Sarah Jackson has 27 years of accounting experience with various companies, Sarah maintains the Rocking V Cafe’s finances.
Allen Jackson, having 25 years of with corporate and federal government gained skills in Information Systems, management, analyzing productivity trends, and process improvement.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the demanding service and restaurant industry, there are always struggles.
First was the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism is a top 10 industry in Utah, and Kanab is a top tourist destination for many national and international travelers. Although Utah faired well compared to other states, the number of visitors to Kanab and Rocking V Café greatly declined. Many hotels, shops, restaurants, and other small businesses in Kanab, simply would not survive if it weren’t for tourism and of course, our locals of Kanab and its surrounding areas to support us and each other through the rough times.
Another struggle would be Kanab becoming a culinary arts scene, The demand for excellent food is an expectation among critics and our guests; we must fulfill that demand. Developing skills over many years skills as a sous chef and catering. Dan found Rocking V Cafe was a great fit and the best place to hone his recipes while building a culinary reputation for Rocking V Cafe. Likewise, while chef for Wild Thyme, Dan developed the cuisine for Wild Thyme Cafe. Again, the reputation for excellent food quickly was well known.
Although Dan is no longer with Wild Thyme Cafe and would be considered a competition in the restaurant industry, Dan prides himself on having been one of the founders leading to its current success.
As Kanab can receive over 5 million hungry visitors each year in 2021, The capacity to feed everyone is impossible. Nearly every night during peak season Rocking V Cafe has a waitlist; some nights up to 1-1/2 hours. Managing a waitlist, the guest traffic efficiently, and ensuring the “flow” of service and food for hundreds of visitors is in of itself a daily challenge. It’s truly amazing what our back-of-the-house and front-of-the-house crews can do!
As mentioned, although other restaurants in Kanab can be considered competition, we often find ourselves referring guests who do not want to wait or are looking for other options to our many great restaurants and local coffee shops. Kanab is a small community, and we like to support our small local businesses.
After the pandemic, finding help has been an ongoing struggle and especially, in a small town, finding great help is a challenge. However, as owners, we want Rocking V Cafe to be known as a great place to work for. We never go to other food establishments in Kanab asking their employees to come to work for us; We wait for people to come to us. With this method, we know we have dedicated people.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Restaurants are critiqued by their guests on their food, service, and atmosphere. Rocking V Cafe prides and specializes in Food, Art, and Fun. First, we have excellent food. Our Chef Dan selects top quality and organic produce and meats. We serve carnivores to vegivores, with food options for vegan, vegetarian, to gluten-free options. We have something for everyone. Rocking V Cafe prides itself not only on the food presentation, ie how the food appears on the plate, but we aim to satisfy everyone’s palette.
Second, we have excellent service. We have staff who are knowledgeable about the foods we serve; we strive for allergy awareness and what ingredients are in each dish. Rocking V Cafe’s staff ensures friendly service; we want our guests to feel welcomed excited to try our foods and want to come back.
Third, our restaurant is vibrantly colored adding a energetic “Vibe”, with the visuals of art all around, and the Variety of food all enhanced with Various vocals of rock music through the decades; Vibe, Visual, Variety Vocal… which we like to refer all of this as the “Rocking V”. All in a unique 1892 mercantile building filled with by beautiful art, many local artists. We encourage everyone to stroll through the upstairs and downstairs to view the art. Most art is for sale.
We believe what sets us apart are the three elements, “Vibe, Visual, Vocals, and Variety, that sets us apart in our food, service, and atmosphere.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Dan Potter – Dan was always adventurous and fearless; he had his ideas and a mind of his own. Dan has always been passionate about what he did. Early on, he learned he loved the hustle of kitchens and the passion for food. He never loved to be the center of focus, but when it comes to food and the recipes he creates, he is very passionate and loves when people enjoy his food. He takes to heart the reviews from those who have eaten his food.
Delia – She has always been independent and headstrong. She always looked out for other people and was never afraid to speak up for herself or others. She was always kind and caring, often making friends with the underdogs. Has an interest in nostalgia movies, such as Grease.
Sarah – Sarah was shy growing up and never wanted the focus of attention. She always cared for and helped her siblings and family members. She was viewed as the protector of her siblings when younger. Having kids she continues as the helping and protector of family. Sarah was always driven; she always knew what she wanted and went for it.
Allen – Allen was generally quiet, patient, and kind. Always analytical and a problem solver. He was as he is today, loves to joke, tease, and be playful, especially with friends and family. Allen always had an interest in art, music, technology, and philosophy.
Pricing:
- $20-50
Contact Info:
- Website: RockingVCafe.com
- Instagram: RockingVCafe
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockingVCafe
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rocking-v-cafe-kanab-2
- TikTok: @RockingVCafe
Image Credits
Rocking V Cafe, SouthWest Polenta Bowl, and El Verde Bowl
