INTRIGUING RESTAURANTEUR
Operating a restaurant is a challenge in the best of times. In the worst of times, it takes commitment beyond the norm. Few demonstrate that commitment better than Matt Stamp, Partner at downtown Napa’s Compline. The Master Sommelier quickly switched gears to figure out how to keep his popular wine bar and eatery in the black, while continuing to employ staff. In late March, he started preparing meals for frontline healthcare workers, offering the community the opportunity to sponsor. “In this way, we could continue to pay staff, provide some money for our local food purveyors, and get some great food to our frontline workers in a time of crisis,” said the Omaha native whose prior work experience includes sommelier stints at The Farmhouse Inn Restaurant and The French Laundry. “We ended up sending more than 5,000 meals to healthcare workers at Queen, OLE Health, and Kaiser facilities in an eight- week period.” For several weeks in early spring, he offered a “$5 ‘family meal’ for those in the restaurant industry who had lost their jobs. He also started a robust take-out and home delivery service. And yes, he made the deliveries himself, along with business partner Ryan Stetins. Since shelter-in-place orders ceased, he has tried to stay ahead of what can be sudden changes in mandate and government requirements while keeping the safety of staff and guests paramount. “We have a great patio and space for plenty of expansion,” said Stamp, who, when not working, can be found listening to his LP collection or wandering the aisles of Napa Bookmine. “And we’ve focused more on the restaurant side of the Compline experience; people know us as a great wine bar but continue to be surprised that Chef Jammir cooks an amazing meal.”
Article By: Fran Miller
