Hidden Gems: Meet Josh Rathbun of Lottē

Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Rathbun

Hi Josh, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started washing dishes at a small cafe in Wichita when I was 15. I’ve been working in this industry ever since, in steakhouses, butcher shops, world renowned fine dining, boutique hotels and small farm to table gems. I received most of my culinary training in Denver under James Beard award wining Chefs Alex Seidel and Matthew Vawter. I spent a year abroad in Australia cooking for Andrew McConnell and Peter Gilmore. I opened Lottē in 2024 with my wife and Chef de Cuisine Zakk Thomas, bringing my depth of experience to my hometown of Wichita. I feel lucky that the community has embraced us and we have been able to thrive this past year and a half, it’s been a dream come true.

I am also a kidney transplant recipient. I was born with an autoimmune disease that caused my kidney to deteriorate over time. In 2013 my cousin Brett donated one of his kidneys to me. I was doing really well until I caught covid twice, which did a number on my transplanted kidney. I am currently on dialysis and on the transplant list at KU med center in KC.

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?
it has not been smooth, I dint go to culinary school. I like to say I went to the school of hard knocks, often having to learn from the mistakes I made along the way. I struggled mightily at many points in my career, learning first how to cook, then how to manage a staff, and then how to manage a business. My kidney disease has really been the largest challenge. I am thankful for it because I would not be where I am today without it but it has provided many setbacks along the way.

We’ve been impressed with Lottē, 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?
Lottē is a farm to table restaurant in downtown Wichita, we are open Tuesday through Saturday. Our menu changes every 6-8 weeks with the season. we are located in the Rise building, with a Rise urban farm on the roof of the building. today we received fresh purple asparagus and scallions from the rooftop farm. we have a lovely dining room, and the best staff in town, front and back.,

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
find the team that whose work speaks to you and you respect and find a way to join up!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Lotteict.com
• Instagram: @lotteict