We believe food is deeply personal, and that it has the power to build community, carry culture, and nourish us inside and out…

You’re building something that takes more than passion and hustle. It takes systems built with strategy and care: what we call intentional operations. 

Hi y’all, I’m Lauren

Your Ops Partner & Founder of Garnish

Being in the food world is something, isn’t it? The passion, the long hours, the constant shifting between vision and execution… As a former pop-up dining founder and farmers market manager, I know that rhythm well. I also know just how often strategy and operations get pushed to the background when you’re overwhelmed, under-resourced, and trying to keep your head above water… sound familiar?

I've spent 10+ years supporting multi-million dollar restaurants, businesses, and nonprofits in strategy, systems, operations, and leadership... and here's what I’ve learned: sustainable growth requires the right systems, strategy, and support that reflect how you work, the communities you serve, and the legacy you're building.

That’s why I created Garnish – to help other food entrepreneurs and community orgs build the structure they actually need to sustain and scale the work they care about. 

I’ve been told that I bring calm to chaos, strategy to vision, and a sense of ease to the work that once felt impossible… 

I call it intentional operations, and I’d love to bring that to your table.

How we show up, every time:

…with Integrity

We treat everything we’re given - time, trust, resources, relationships - as something to steward with care. We say what we mean and do what we say to build trust on honesty, consistency, and follow-through.

…in Excellence

We don’t just aim for good… we aim for great. That means showing up prepared, pushing for better, and staying committed to quality - even in the small things.

…led by Curiosity

We believe there’s always more to learn, more to explore, and more than one way forward. We stay open, ask better questions, and approach challenges as opportunities to make room for new, better, and creative ways of working.

…rooted in Joy

We lead with joy because it fuels everything we do. We celebrate the culture and stories that food carries, the communities that businesses can build, and the creativity that makes each venture unique.

  • “Your calm disposition is contagious, welcomed, and appreciated in a high-stressed environment. You bring a great energy to the restaurant & are committed to the success of the store when you’re here.”

  • "You have demonstrated such thoughtfulness and patience in your approach to how we do our work. You consider multiple perspectives on your way to making a decision, and no matter the challenge, you approach it with integrity with an end goal of improving how we work, and what and how we serve our partner organizations."

  • “You’re kicking ass and taking names! I’ve never been so hands off and comfortable about things happening in my business with me not needing to step back in and take control.”

  • "You’ve exceeded my expectations. Not only have you improved my workflow and how I educate and interact with my audience, but you’ve collaborated on other projects and served as a thought partner in how I think about and approach my work.”