SF's Riddler | The Future is Female Funded
Imagine for a moment that you have a brilliant idea for a champagne themed space in San Francisco and the know-how and professional experience to actualize it -- all you need are the inevitable fiscal resources. Imagine then, sitting down to compile a list of potential investors based on your own connections and network . . . and it dawns on you that your investment dream team is entirely female. Such was the case with SF's shining PR star Jen Pelka, when she began planning the newly opened, The Riddler in San Francisco's Hayes Valley. Pelka says of her 30-person fully female funded investment team, "at its core was a group of badass, stylish, financially independent ladies.” Ranging in age from 20-something to 70-something, all but one are first-time restaurant investors. In her December interview with San Francisco Magazine, Pelka describes the power of female solidarity and encouraging women in business and entrepreneurship by explaining, "it instantly becomes something that is in some ways mission-driven, something that is important beyond recreational or financial investment."
You'd be hard pressed to find someone better poised to join forces with, as Pelka's highly credentialed resumé and client roster speaks to her extensive reach within the food world. Principal and founder of SF agency Magnum PR, Pelka's clients include Mister Jiu's, Rich Table, and Souvla -- she's been a guest on Bravo TV's Top Chef -- and was named one of Forbes Magazine's 30 under 30. Ruth Reichl, one of the Riddler's 30 investors, cites her respect for Pelka as one her primary motivations for investing, but goes on to say, " . . . it's still stunning to me how few [women] are entrepreneurs -- it's sort of like the place it stops for women. Women are good bosses, but they get scared by business and entrepreneurship. One of the ways we have to overcome that barrier is to support each other."*
The Riddler boats a considerable glamour factor along a sense of humor and history. Named after a Champagne house's essential care taker responsible for rotating the bottles daily to alleviate sediment and produce a crystal-clear bottle of wine, "riddling" was invented in the 19th century by wine’s legendary female entrepreneur, Madame Clicquot, the 27-year old widow who inherited Veuve Clicquot. The bar's offerings include over 100 Champagne selections, in options by the glass, in splits, half bottles, Magnums, Jeroboams, and beyond, a carefully curated still wine menu, bar bites, and a single beer: "the Champagne of beers," Miller High Life. The 500 square foot space is methodically designed in a chic palette of black, white and gold, with café tables hand-made in France and custom leather banquettes begging to be occupied for late-night tête-à-têtes.
The Riddler is open 4-10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday, and from 4-11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, located at 528 Laguna Street, San Francisco.
five questions we ask every female phenom
1. Current book on the bedside nightstand:
Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann, the first book we are reading for our Magnum PR book club. Last week, we went around the room saying which book have you already read that you're recommend re-reading for book club, and one person mentioned this book. 2 others swooned, saying how much they loved it. I haven't yet read it, and I'm a sucker for a good New York story, so I can't wait to dive in. I am also listening to Jessi Klein's "You'll Grow Out of It" while I work out these days. Hilarious stuff.
2. What female public figure (living or dead) would you like to have as a personal friend?
Oprah. Duh.
3. The thing that keeps me up at night is:
Am I giving my team the support they need?
4. If I wore a daily uniform I would want it to include/look like:
Claire Underwood's daily look. And I'd have the buns to match.
5. Favorite lowbrow pleasure:
In N Out cheeseburger, animal style with chopped chilies and a side of extra crispy fries. And a Diet Coke.
* Quoted from Rebecca Flint Marx's December article, "No Sexism in the Champagne Room" from San Francisco.