June 18

Todd and Lee Batey Owners of La Jolla Todd Batey’s first job in a restaurant was at Kat N Harri’s in 1985. He was only 17, and started out washing dishes, and then he began waiting tables and working behind the bar. It was an amaz- ing place to work and where he met his wife and partner in their own restaurant. However, not long into his first job, Todd developed a fascination with the restaurant environment and culture, es- pecially in the kitchen. There was a strong sense of camaraderie there that made him feel very comfortable…almost at home. Todd worked under some amazing chefs and owners whom he re- spected and admired, and whenever there was an opportunity to learn some- thing, he took it. Todd recalls that... “In every restaurant I worked, even when I worked front of house, I would come in early to see what the guys in the kitchen were doing and help them prepare for the next service. The education I re- ceived during that time is invaluable to me now.” When Todd began to consider opening his own restaurant, he had almost 20 years of experience and it seemed like the obvious next step in his career. Todd recalls, “I knew I wanted to open a place that would challenge the status quo in Montgomery, but didn’t know exactly how I wanted to do it. Visiting Europe with my wife, Lee, changed that. While there, I had so many unbelievable en- counters with food, wine and European culture and was reminded of just how valuable the eating experience is. That idea would become the standard at La Jolla. I wanted my restaurant to offer something more than just great food and a friendly waitstaff. I wanted to create the most memorable dining experience in Montgomery. Doing that required some risks, especially where the menu was concerned. My goal was to present Montgomery with food that was new and surprising, but package it in a way that would feel familiar. I wanted to show people that food should not always be defined by the sum of its ingredients, but by its ability to transcend them.” In 2002, Todd opened La Jolla along- side his wife, Lee. Todd credits Lee as the biggest influence in his 33 years in the restaurant industry. She has been an in- tegral part of the success of their restau- rant. Todd has three tips for running a suc- cessful restaurant: Keep your staff happy and do things to show you appreciate them regularly. Never compromise on the quality of your ingredients. And third, never settle for anything that does not meet your standards. Todd wants to ensure customers con- tinue to be surprised and delighted by their La Jolla experience and he always will try to be a little bit better than they were yesterday. Find us on Facebook and Instagram JUNE 2018 25 La Jolla Restaurant & Bar Peppertree Shopping Center | 8147 Vaughn Road | Montgomery, AL 36116 | 334.356.2600 www.lajollamontgomery.com