Cultivating Community: Kevin Ruch's Vision for Food, Farming, and Community

In this episode of the Launch Local Podcast, Amber Artemis hosts Kevin Ruch, co-owner of Union Public House and a seasoned farmer. Kevin shares his 26-year journey in farming and his transition into the restaurant business. He delves into the decision-making process behind not getting organically certified, the challenges and rewards of integrating farm produce into his restaurant menu, and the importance of community building through farmers markets and catering. Kevin recounts his early self-taught experiences in cooking, working at high-end restaurants, and developing a diverse set of skills that eventually led to co-owning a successful dive bar. He discusses financial strategies for starting and maintaining businesses, the value of investing in profitable equipment, and managing employees by offering stakes in the business. Kevin’s story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and community-driven business models. The episode also touches on future plans, emphasizing travel and continued community engagement while finding a balance between work and personal life.

00:00 Introduction to Kevin Ruch

01:02 Kevin's Farming Journey

02:26 Farm to Table: The Restaurant Business

04:18 Early Farming and Market Ventures

06:02 From Farming to Culinary Arts

11:52 Starting and Growing 14 Acre Farm

15:58 Catering

18:13 Union Public House: The Dive Bar Transformation

20:35 Business Philosophy and Community Building

34:24 Future Plans and Reflections

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