California SBDC
Cultivo & Hangar 39
“There are consultants out there who will charge you an arm and a leg but the advisors at SBDC make time for you, their services are free of charge, and you’ll be able to get all your questions answered.”
From Traveling Chef to Dining Staple: The Cultivo Story
BACKGROUND
Cultivo is a popular restaurant in Ukiah, California, owned by Ashleigh Plazola and Fernando Plazola. They specialize in modern California cuisine and seafood. The couple purchased the previous restaurant, Saucy in 2017 and transitioned it to Cultivo.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Ashleigh and Fernando faced the challenge of balancing their personal and professional lives as Fernando traveled for executive chef positions. They decided to open their own restaurant in order to be together and found a beautiful little restaurant that was coming up for sale in Ukiah. They jumped on the opportunity and with the help of the city and West Center, they started putting down their ideas for the business and purchased the restaurant.
SBDC SUPPORT
The couple reached out to West Center for support in 2017 on the recommendation of the previous owner. The SBDC provided tools and classes to help them make better decisions, figure out cash flow, and prepare for the ups and downs of the restaurant business.
RESULTS AND FUTURE PLANS
As a result of their efforts with the SBDC, Cultivo has become a dining staple in Ukiah. They have plans to open a new restaurant, Hangar 39, offering modern California cuisine, a seafood bar and a comfort food bar menu that will pair well with beer or cocktails. They hope that the new restaurant will be a place where people can gather with friends, have a cocktail, eat a fantastic meal or watch a sports event.
