Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tyler Kopkas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tyler, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.
Every 3rd Tuesday of each month we host an event called Sips @ The Station where we partner with a local nonforprofit to raise funds for that chosen charity. We’ve been blessed to work with over 2 dozen local nonforprofit organizsations over the past 2 years. Sips @ The Station also serves as a platform for Savannah’s most diverse networking event series as we spotlight nonprofits. Since it’s inception we’ve raised close to $50,000. We’re hopefully years 3 is the best year yet!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Tyler and Kara Kopkas grew up just outside Seattle in the suburbs of Washington state. Their paths would cross years back when Tyler was an Executive Chef for a large restaurant group while Kara worked at a neighboring Starbucks Café while in college. Close in proximity and working the same late night hours the two would eventually meet, date and dine!
Professionally it was around this time that Tyler was advised to take a leap into a different role and move from back of the house (the kitchen) to the front of the house into management, moving into the role of Assistant General Manager. At the time this seemed like a big risk in his career, however it’s what has led to Tyler’s continued success over the years. Tyler is not only known for his hard work, but his love of people, and is his ability to cultivate a great team.
The Kopkas duo were married back in 2009 and welcomed the birth of their son Wyatt in 2018, this past year they celebrated their 14th Wedding anniversary. Current day the Kopkas family has relocated to the Savannah area where they are excited to extend their welcome with the launch of Ardsley Station and settle into their new community where they will call Savannah their new home.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
We moved across the country (Seattle to Savannah) during a global pandemic to open a Restaurant. Most of our family and friends thought we were crazy. Fast Forward 3 years later and we have one of the most popular restaurants in Savannah. Hard work and perseverance do pay off!
How’d you meet your business partner?
Our business partners are family to us. Call it a family affair which at times has it challenges but in the end the four of us are committed to owning and operating the best restaurant we can which puts a huge value on the community that has loyally supported us since our opening in April of 2021
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ardsleystation.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ardsley_station/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArdsleyStation/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ardsley-station-savannah
Image Credits
All photography taken by, “A Different Light Photography”