Green Business Innovator | Leading the Way in Sustainable Hospitality

My restaurants have always been rooted in the belief that food can—and should—be a vehicle for environmental and social impact. That’s why I’m proud to share that Joyce Soul & Sea has officially been named the first restaurant in California to earn Green Business Innovator status from the California Green Business Network—a milestone that represents years of commitment to sustainable operations, community engagement, and climate-forward thinking.

This prestigious Innovator designation is the highest level of recognition offered by the network and is reserved for businesses that exceed baseline standards in every category—from waste reduction and energy conservation to equity, transparency, and leadership in climate resilience. Earning it required completing a comprehensive application, undergoing a multi-phase internal audit, and demonstrating measurable progress across several key areas of impact.

As a business, we:

• Center environmental stewardship in daily kitchen operations

• Implement robust waste diversion and composting programs

• Minimize our water and energy footprints

• Partner with responsible producers and regenerative suppliers

• Prioritize staff wellness and local community engagement

This recognition reaffirms something I’ve always believed: restaurants are uniquely positioned to lead. We’re not just serving food—we’re shaping food systems, influencing culture, and creating blueprints for what a truly sustainable business can look like.