Lesson learned: Be flexible and value your staff.
By Courtney Ferguson
Run by a family that is passionate about food, Penn Valley’s Twelve 28 Kitchen beat the odds when it passed its fifth year in business. The Sterner family had worked hard to create a reputation for fine cuisine, ambiance and service, making it a popular choice with diners from all over Nevada County. And then came COVID-19.
The ensuing restrictions meant major shifts. “We made complete changes, and did what we had to do to survive,” chef Zach Sterner explained. “In the past, we did not feel that take-out showcased our food well, but we switched to doing take-out only. When we added outdoor-only dining and practiced social distancing, it felt as if we had opened five different restaurants in a couple of years. Pricing increases and product shortages have become our newest challenges.”
It felt as if we had opened five different restaurants in a couple of years.”
– Zach Sterner
Many restaurants could add staffing to the list of current issues. Fortunately for Twelve 28 Kitchen, they are blessed with a loyal staff they value highly. Their extra effort helped keep the business moving forward during a tough-and-trying time.
10118 Commercial Ave., Penn Valley
530-446-6534
