March is Women’s History Month, an observation that began in 1978 and continues to this day, focusing on the contributions of women in history and contemporary society. The San Diego Sun is focusing on the latter. Below are five business trailblazers from downtown San Diego’s East Village who work in the restaurant/hospitality industry. Two common threads emerged after chatting with them: Women can be underestimated in the workplace, but they can also be strong and collaborative.
Please meet Ayaka Ito (BESHOCK Ramen, Asa Bakery, Bar Kamon); Robyn Spencer (The Mob Squad, East Village Tavern+Bowl); Stephanie Lovi (Knotty Barrel, Knotty Brewing); Angie Weber (Cowboy Star); and Alina Ahmed (Cafe de L’Opera).
Ayaka Ito, BESHOCK Ramen, Asa Bakery, Bar Kamon
She began her effort to bring Japanese food culture to East Village 10 years ago. Ito started with BESHOCK Ramen and later added Asa Bakery and Bar Kamon (both under one roof). Underestimated? There have been too many times in the past where she’s been assumed to be a busser rather than the manager. She doesn’t let it bother her. Ito is grateful to the East Village community for helping her with some of the logistics of running a business. She especially credits Cowboy Star’s Angie Weber; the pair have visited Japan and brewed sake together.
Robyn Spencer, The Mob Squad and East Village Tavern+Bowl
Spencer is Founder/Experience Director of the Mob Squad, a boutique event management firm that works with other businesses around San Diego. She started running Tavern+Bowl in 2022 after its owner recognized her talent. She was raised to focus on strength, not weakness. Despite being underestimated at times, Spencer is proud of her accomplishments. “Women traditionally think in their brains that they can’t go to other women because it’s competitive,” she said. “But it’s really not like that. I think, in every industry, you can find people that would help support you and build a pillar.”
Stephanie Lovi, Knotty Barrel & Knotty Brewing
Knotty Barrel & Knotty Brewing is a mega gastropub on Market Street that’s been around for 16 years. Lovi had been co-owner, then sole owner after her husband/business partner passed away suddenly last year. Lovi has had to step up from her previous front-of-house role to manage the rest of the business previously covered by her husband. She’s been able to grow into the role thanks to the support of the community she helped build. “I knew that my incredible staff would be behind making the transition and making it work,” Lovi said.
Angie Weber, Cowboy Star
Weber has run Cowboy Star for 18 years and counting. The renowned fine-dining steakhouse is a collaboration between Weber, husband Jon Weber and Chef Victor Jimenez. The restaurant is known for its warm, romantic ambiance and Western style. A sister concept called She Rode West will open in Bankers Hill later this year. When she started Cowboy Star, Weber balanced the business with other jobs. When Covid hit the local business world five years ago, Weber was a vocal advocate to keep Cowboy Star and other restaurants open for business.
Alina Ahmed, Cafe de L’Opera
Ahmed became owner of Cafe de L’Opera in 2012. As the oldest bakery in the now croissant-covered East Village, Ahmed has seen a lot of other businesses rise and fall. She’s thankful to have a loyal customer base. Ahmed has faced the underestimation factor; several people have assumed her husband was her boss. Through the years, Ahmed has stayed strong. She believes the workplace has gotten better. “I think we are in a great time for women to do business,” Ahmed said. “There’s nothing stopping us.” SDSun
