Kendall Patterson

Pietro’s of Lodi general manager Kendall Patterson was recently acknowledged as an honorable mention for general manager of the year in Restaurant Business, a top nationwide restaurant publication. Her hard work and dedication put her at the top of the list. Kendall recently sat down with HERLIFE Magazine to discuss family, her career and involvement in the community.

HLM: How long have you lived here? What do you love most?
KP: I recently received for Honorable Mention: General Manager of the Year from Restaurant Business. Receiving this award was truly special. From the outside looking in, Pietro’s is a phenomenal restaurant that offers great food and service, but what goes into making that happen is more than a job. It’s a passion. While I was the one who received the award, it really was a representation of the hard work of each and every member of our staff.

HLM: How long have you lived here? What do you love most?
KP: I was born and raised in Lodi. After high school I moved away to college and then lived in various states for ten years. It was time to move back home, so in 2020 I moved back. I love the small town feel and a community full of history.

HLM: How is your heart inspired to serve the community?
KP: Children! Kids are the next generation and their impact will be felt by us in our old age. Nurturing and supporting children that may not be getting attention at home is so important to me.

HLM: What sparks joy for you?
KP: My family sparks joy in my life. I have a seven-year-old mini-me who is the light of my life. Seeing the world through the lens of a child is truly special.

HLM: Top three bucket list goals?
KP: Visit every country in Europe; become a multi-unit restaurant manager; own a home with a vineyard.

HLM: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
KP: Where I have made it in my career and what I have been able to achieve. I left college lost and with no direction. I am fortunate to have found my passion shortly after college and have been working at it ever since.

HLM: Can you describe a key event that had an impact on your life?
KP: In the years after college, I moved around a lot; living in several different states and communities opened my eyes to the world and all that there is to offer. And if you have never moved eight months pregnant, I know now I can do anything.

HLM: Outside work, how is your time best spent?
KP: I love design and planning, whether that means planning a party, decorating my home, or daydreaming of my next vacation.

HLM: Do you have a favorite quote?
KP: I have two: “Your life is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” Steve Jobs
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” Maya Angelou

HLM: What are you currently reading?
KP: I love non-fiction! My most recent book was Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara.

HLM: Favorite food or dessert?
KP: Obviously, everything on the menu at Pietro’s, with my most favorite being the lasagna. And there is nothing like a good old-fashioned cheeseburger with lots of mustard. For dessert, I love cookies and ice creams; my first job was at Baskin Robbins and I’ve been hooked ever since.