Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Johnson.
Hi Lauren, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Some people wonder for years, what will I do when I “grow up”, luckily for me I knew from childhood I wanted to own my very own restaurant! I was born into the business! My family owned two restaurants over the course of 27 years in a town called Wallingford, Connecticut. I can think back to a very young age helping out setting tables and just being there loving the atmosphere! Fast forward to college years at Johnson & Wales University focused on hospitality and culinary, I graduated in 2008. From there I moved to beautiful California to see what all the hype was about! I learned fast- this is a place I loved! Within a year of living here, I found myself at an iconic restaurant in Corona Del Mar, CA, called The Quiet Woman- there my skills elevated and my relationships grew! My Cousin Jen, who was the only relative also living in CA, saw something in me! She and her husband are both engineers, but kept bringing up going into business together…. We talked about it often, but that was it, talk. Then in January of 2024 Jen’s husband, Moe, took matters into his own hands- he said enough of this talk- let’s put some plans into action and he met with a business broker- fast forward 6 months we were introduced to Knolls Restaurant and a man named Gary Decker- this is the moment my childhood dreams came to life! This place had everything I had “wished” for, Lunch, Dinner, Full Liquor License, and the cherry on top- Live music!!! We just celebrated our two year anniversary and I pinch myself daily- truly a dream come true!!!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Anything worth loving will come with challenges. Some days are simply smooth sails and some days come with a bump in the road. Part of the fun is conquering and returning to the flow that is the restaurant business! Who called out, what delivery didn’t show up, the water heater broke during the busiest night of my life!!! What do you do!?! Panic- only for a quick moment and then you MUST jump into action and handle it- because as an owner- you are the one – the best thing to help is surrounding yourself with an incredible staff who care, have the smarts, and you can trust to help you along the way!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I grew up in a family business that catered to the “Locals” I have always loved that aspect and have found myself again and again in that type of setting. At Knolls Restaurant we are open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner, happy hour daily, and live music daily! Our mission is to have fun while delivering a thoughtful high quality meal, crafted cocktail, and most importantly a smile! We want everyone to feel comfortable and happy when visiting us at Knolls! The world is fast paced and easy to get lost in…. At Knolls we want you to exhale for a moment, let us feed you and hope to make life easier if even only for the moment!
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Laguna Niguel is Community! Everyone is truly friendly and proud to be from here! We are so happy to simply be a part of it! There are wonderful business’s and family’s in this area and we are so thrilled to be associated and at times even team up with the town to achieve bigger goals!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://knollsrestaurant.com/
- Instagram: Knolls_restaurant
- Facebook: Knolls restaurant laguna Niguel
