We recently connected with Quin Cody and have shared our conversation below.

Quin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I’ll never forget the first time I wandered through the more inclusive areas of LA and San Francisco. It was 2016, and I had never seen a place where people could simply be. There was no double-take when a gothic girl walked by, no sideways glances as a non-binary person greeted customers at a local café. People held hands freely, love felt visible, and authenticity was everywhere. I remember thinking, Why can’t the world look more like this? And why wasn’t anyone creating spaces where it could?

Three years later, in 2019, some friends reached out with an idea: a bar and restaurant concept we’d dreamed of, something that felt like an answer to the question that had stuck with me since those first visits. That’s how The Alchemists’ Garden began to take shape. I thought back to that feeling of belonging, of openness, and asked myself: What if we could bring that here? Could we make a place in my home on the Central Coast that celebrated the full human experience?

Paso Robles already had incredible food and wine—it was a beloved spot for that. But we wanted more: a space that wasn’t just about what was served but how people felt. A place where our team could show up as their true selves and create experiences filled with warmth, creativity, and excellence. We hoped for a community that could embrace something a little different—a haven where people could simply exist and celebrate life together.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My journey into hospitality began when I was just 15. I worked every position I could in a restaurant, drawn to the energy and rhythm of the industry. But it wasn’t until I worked under Sherman Walton—a mentor who quickly became both an inspiration and a friend—that I truly understood the essence of hospitality. I’ll never forget the moment it clicked: stepping back and watching the restaurant flow seamlessly, like a well-choreographed dance. Every role mattered, every movement intentional. It was beautiful, and I knew I wanted to be part of creating that magic.

Even then, I dreamed of having a space of my own, though I didn’t yet know what more I wanted it to be. That vision began to take shape one day on a beach, sitting with friends who would soon become my business partners. We were daydreaming about the spaces we wanted to create, sharing ideas, and unknowingly planting the seeds for what would become The Alchemists’ Garden.

As the Creative Director, I finally found a way to channel all the creative passions in my life into one space. From menu development and photography to branding and even blacksmithing, every detail became a reflection of our collective vision. I drew inspiration from herbology, astrology, and alchemy, weaving them into the brand’s identity. For instance, the alchemical symbol for creativity is also the symbol for copper, so we incorporated it into our logo and infused the space with copper accents. The bar features a copper star chart of the day our journey began, and plants cascade down the walls, creating a living, breathing backdrop.

But what I’m most proud of isn’t the space itself—it’s the culture we’ve nurtured within it. Growing up as a queer person in a small town, there weren’t many places where I felt I could truly be myself. That experience shaped my deepest desire for The Alchemists’ Garden: to create a space where all humans could come and feel safe. A place where your sexuality, language, or pronouns didn’t define you—only that you felt welcomed, valued, and at ease.

In a community like ours, pioneering inclusivity is both a privilege and a responsibility. I carry it with gratitude and a commitment to uphold that standard every day—not just as a business owner, but as a human being who believes in the transformative power of acceptance and belonging.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned on this entrepreneurial journey is how different it is to be part of a team versus leading one. We’ve all had that terrible boss—the one who’s either overbearing, absent, or endlessly judgmental. Determined not to be that person, I swung too far in the opposite direction. I cared deeply for my team and wanted to protect them, so I found myself stepping in too often, taking on tasks that weren’t mine and focusing on the details rather than the structure.

It took me a while to realize what my team truly needed. They didn’t need me to act like another team member; they needed structure, consistency, and the freedom to find their rhythm. They needed me to lead. That meant stepping back, even when it was hard to watch them struggle.

At first, stepping back was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. Watching my team navigate challenges without immediately stepping in to fix things felt counterintuitive. But over time, I saw something incredible happen. They grew more confident. They problem-solved. They supported one another. And I found myself in a better position to catch them when they truly needed it—when they were slipping, not just wobbling.

This shift has created something I’m incredibly proud of: a team that feels confident, supported, and safe. The workplace isn’t just a job for them; it’s a space where they know they’re valued. Leading with intention, providing structure, and trusting the people you’ve chosen to be part of your vision—that’s how you build morale and a team that thrives.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

Each of my business partners has a story that begins where so many great collaborations do: at work. I often credit our shared history in hospitality as the foundation for why we’ve come so far together. We didn’t just meet—we learned to thrive alongside each other, supporting one another through challenges and celebrating successes as a team.

Alexandra Ortiz Pellot, Andrew Brune, and I first crossed paths while working at a luxury resort. Alex ran the Food & Beverage program with incredible precision and vision, Andrew helmed the bar with creativity and skill, and I oversaw the winery operations. Working so closely, we had countless opportunities to rely on one another, adapt together, and build a deep trust that extended beyond the workplace. It wasn’t long before our professional relationship grew into a true friendship.

Tony Bennett’s story is a little different. When I first met him, he was working at a sports bar, but I could already see his passion for hospitality and an insatiable drive to learn and create. Fast forward a few years, and Tony was running 1122, a globally acclaimed speakeasy in downtown Paso Robles. Watching him grow and refine his craft only strengthened my belief in his talent and vision.

The idea of starting our own business came from Alex. One day, she presented the concept of creating something of our own instead of continuing to run someone else’s vision. It was a bold proposition, but I didn’t hesitate. These were the people I trusted most—the people I’d already shared so many challenges with, the ones who had proven time and time again that we worked well together. Starting this journey with them wasn’t just a decision; it felt like the natural next step in a partnership we’d been building all along.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alchemistsgarden.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alchemistsgardenca/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alchemistsgardenca
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-alchemists-garden-paso-robles

Image Credits

Sarah Kathleen