Hidden Gems: Meet Codi Bates of Bates Co

Today we’d like to introduce you to Codi Bates.

Hi Codi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I started my career in the hospitality industry at age 22 with our first restaurant, The Burger Stand. What started in an unused kitchen of a downtown college bar quickly outgrew its space. After a year, we located our own space directly on Massachusetts St. At the time; we also opened a second restaurant (now closed, Esquina) in Downtown Lawrence. We planned a third, our second Burger Stand location, in Topeka.

Fast forward to 14 years later, and I have worn the hats of pastry chef, host, General Manager, Beverage Director, bartender, accountant, HR representative, payroll manager, and more of our company, Bates Co. Since 2009, the dynamic businesses of Bates Co have allowed me to have hands-on experience in all areas of the service industry and beyond. We currently own and operate The Burger Stand (Lawrence & Topeka), Taco Zone, The Cider Gallery (our fine-art gallery, event space, and co-working offices), and Bon Bon (temporarily closed in 2020, with pop-ups and more ahead in the next few years). I am a James Beard Fellow as an Alumni of the Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership program, Board Vice Chair (and founding board member) of the Lawrence Restaurant Association, former Board President of Downtown Lawrence Inc., and former Executive Committee member of Van Go, Inc. I am a mother of two, a former theatre major with a BFA in Art History from the University of Kansas (which I obtained after starting the businesses), and a lover of all things food, drink, and gathering. I am a James Beard Fellow as an Alumni of the Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership program, Board Vice Chair (and founding board member) of the Lawrence Restaurant Association, former Board President of Downtown Lawrence Inc., and former Executive Committee member of Van Go, Inc. I am a curator of things: food, drink, art, people, places, and experiences.

It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
With any risk, there are unexpected challenges that always come along. I have had to learn on the job every step of the way, which I also credit our growth and success to. Owning a company and running multiple businesses constantly comes with new, unexpected challenges. Whether it be equipment issues, navigating the endless licenses and associated paperwork, or pivoting our businesses to weather a global pandemic, we’ve had to get creative and be scrappy to get to where we are. Through it all, the fantastic thing is our talented, hardworking staff, whose contributions are just as significant as anything we’ve done.

We’ve been impressed with Bates Co, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart?
Bates Co was founded in 2009 by Codi & Simon Bates with a love of good food and drink in the community, all enjoyed in fun, casual and unconventional settings and with the belief that through nurturing our teams, our supplies, and our guests, we can have an impact within our community. We own and operate The Burger Stand at the Casbah, The Burger Stand Topeka, Taco Zone, The Cider Gallery, and Bon Bon & Parallel Sauce Co. We are a hospitality-focused company based in Lawrence, Kansas.

What matters most to you?
I am passionate about the power of bringing people together around thoughtful food and drink to celebrate, support, educate, grow, and build community. A love of travel, combined with the power of the hospitality industry, allows me to engage with other communities and learn more about the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bates-co.com
• Instagram: @codib
• Other: @bates_co, @bonbonlawrence, @cidergallery, @burgerstandtopeka, @casbahburgerstand, @taco_zone

Image Credits
Simon Bates (other person in photos) Photographers: Vibralux Media Codi Bates Simon Bates Doug Stremel Artwork in closer Gallery photo – Cara Romero – “Nikki”