Today we’d like to introduce you to Ken & Karli Romine.
Hi Ken & Karli, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Absolutely. My journey with Ten Penny began with a simple observation: our community deserved an updated, welcoming environment where people could enjoy great food, connect with friends, and feel proud of a local spot that truly represented them. There was a long-standing restaurant in town that had history, heart, and potential—what it needed was a fresh vision and the right kind of investment.
When the opportunity came to purchase the restaurant, I saw more than a business deal. I saw a chance to revitalize a community gathering place. From day one, the goal was to respect what Ten Penny had meant to people while transforming it into one of the best dining and social experiences in the area.
Revamping Ten Penny wasn’t just about new menus or new décor—though we did both. It was about building an ecosystem. Today, Ten Penny proudly supports over 20 small businesses through partnerships, local sourcing, and weekly community events. We’ve grown to a team of 41 employees, each one contributing to the energy and hospitality that keeps people coming back.
Where we are today is the result of listening to the community, investing in people, and refusing to settle for “good enough.” Ten Penny has become more than a restaurant; it’s a hub—a place where great food, great service, and community pride come together. And we’re just getting started.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like most meaningful projects, the road to where Ten Penny is today wasn’t without challenges. Taking over an existing restaurant meant inheriting both its strengths and its weaknesses. The building needed a major refresh, operations had to be modernized, and we had to rebuild trust with a community that had seen many local businesses come and go.
One of the biggest hurdles was transforming the atmosphere while keeping the doors open. Renovations, menu development, staffing, and updating systems—all while still serving customers—created intense pressure behind the scenes. Every day required quick decisions, long hours, and a willingness to problem-solve on the fly.
Another challenge was staffing. Bringing the right people in, building a new culture, and training a team that could deliver a consistently great experience took patience and persistence. Supporting 41 employees means carrying a responsibility not just to the business, but to their families and livelihoods as well.
Through it all, the struggles shaped the success. Every obstacle forced us to improve, adapt, and raise the standard. Those challenges became the foundation of the Ten Penny people recognize and love today.
We’ve been impressed with Ten Penny Sports Bar and grill, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Ten Penny is more than a restaurant—it’s a community anchor. Located on Cherokee Street and proudly serving Leavenworth for 25 years, we’ve built our identity around great food, genuine hospitality, and creating a space where people feel at home. Whether it’s a family dinner, a big game day, trivia night, or a local fundraiser, Ten Penny has become the place where the community naturally gathers.
What sets us apart starts with our mission: to create an environment that lifts the community while showcasing the best of what local businesses can do together. We partner with and support more than 20 small businesses, provide steady employment for 41 team members, and host events that channel thousands of dollars back into local nonprofits, youth programs, and veterans’ organizations.
Behind the scenes, what many don’t realize is that Ten Penny is powered by passion—not full-time availability. Karli works full-time for the Department of Veterans Affairs, and I serve as an executive in the fundraising sector, supporting over 320 clients nationwide. My “passive income” is anything but passive—I work as a leadership and fundraising consultant while also owning and operating the restaurant. Balancing those responsibilities while elevating Ten Penny has been one of our greatest accomplishments and a core part of our story. It shows what can happen when you believe in a community and commit to giving it your best.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust we’ve earned. Ten Penny isn’t just known for good food or cold drinks—it’s known for consistency, involvement, and heart. Our team shows up for the community, and the community shows up for us. That’s the power of what we’ve built together.
What I want readers to know is this: Ten Penny is built by people who love this community deeply. We’re here to serve, to uplift, and to create memorable experiences—over 22 TVs for sports fans, a strong menu of favorites, weekly entertainment, and a culture driven by team members who take pride in what they do. At Ten Penny, you’re not just grabbing a meal—you’re part of something bigger.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
For me, the most important quality has been relentless adaptability—paired with being an empathetic leader. Owning a restaurant while managing full-time careers, consulting work, and community commitments requires the ability to pivot quickly, stay calm under pressure, and make informed decisions without hesitation. But none of that works without understanding the people around you.
Empathy has been a driving force behind how we lead at Ten Penny. With 41 employees and partnerships with more than 20 small businesses, it’s essential to listen, to be present, and to see situations through the eyes of others. When your team knows you genuinely care about their well-being, their families, and their future, they bring that same care to the guests we serve.
Adaptability and empathy together are what allowed us to take an existing restaurant and transform it into a thriving, community-centered space. They’re also what help Karli and me balance our full-time roles—her serving Veterans at the VA, me supporting over 320 fundraising clients—while still pushing Ten Penny forward every day.
Those qualities, rooted in purpose and people, have shaped our success more than anything else. We listen, we learn, and we grow—and that mindset is at the heart of everything we do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tenpennylv.com
