Today we’d like to introduce you to Kory Stetina.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was exposed to vegetarianism through the punk and hardcore scene in the 90’s, and was vegetarian by age 16 and vegan around 22. In 2009, as a beer/wine/spirit geek fascinated by San Diego’s blossoming craft beer scene, I formed a pop-up named LOVELIKEBEER with a good friend of mine, which created vegan beer pairing dinners to raise money for charity at some of my favorite local establishments. Thinking it would be amazing if our events could draw 50-80 guests to the hosts’ restaurants, we were humbled and amazed by an onslaught of hundreds of people each event.
By putting on these events, which became more and more ambitious each time we did them, I decided I had found my calling. I embarked on a multi-year journey of creating a restaurant and bar that shamelessly embraced many of my personal obsessions: artful cocktails, great beer, and decadent, innovative vegan food. It was important to me that this project be an exciting addition to the local drinking and dining scene for more than just a vegan food menu. Before a guest ever looks at a menu, or thinks about eating a vegan meal, I wanted the experience to be one of a kind.
I was able to find some great partners and collaborators, and ultimately created KINDRED, an artisan cocktail bar and vegan restaurant in the neighborhood of South Park, unrestrained in creativity and very heavily paying homage to the punk/hardcore/thrash culture that has introduced and inspired many people towards vegetarianism and veganism.
Please tell us about Kindred.
KINDRED is known for great vegan food tailored to omnivores as much as herbivores, world-class cocktails, and an incredibly eclectic but welcoming environment.
We’re hospitality driven, but rebellious in our pursuit to create something truly unique and special. Our restaurant and bar feels like a vintage cocktail salon and at the same time an unhinged, evil, villainous lair.
We’ve been very humbled by its reception, being voted EATER San Diego’s People’s Choice Restaurant of The Year in 2016, topping Zagat San Diego’s Most Important Restaurant Openings of 2016, earning an Orchid Award for interior design from the San Diego Architectural Foundation, and being honored by VegNews magazine as a top 5 fine dining vegan restaurant as well as the Best Vegan Bar in the US.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1503 30th St
- Website: www.barKINDRED.com
- Phone: 6195469653
- Email: kory@barkindred.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barKINDRED/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barKINDRED
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/barKINDRED
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kindred-san-diego
Getting in touch: SDVoyager 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.
