Meet Razvan Armeanca
Today we’re excited to be connecting with Razvan Armeanca again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.
Razvan, we are so thrilled to be connecting again and can’t wait to hear about all the amazing things you have been up to. Before we jump into all of that, some of our readers might have missed our prior interview, so can you take a moment to reintroduce yourself?
Razvan Armeanca (Front of the house manager/server/bartender): I started as a J1 student from Romania, working summers in Lake City. My journey began serving tables at Bruno’s Restaurant and Grill, where I built a strong foundation in customer service. For the past eight years, I’ve been an integral part of CLIMB elevated eatery, working to ensure that every guest enjoys a welcoming and memorable dining experience. I’m passionate about creating unique cocktails that complement our dishes and enhance the dining experience. I ended up partnering with Tyler and Craig, we now own the restaurant together since April 2024.
Tyler Crump (Chef): I’m originally from Texas and bring 15 years of culinary experience to CLIMB. My journey started at Southern Vittles in Lake City, CO, where I began as a server. Alongside my restaurant work, I also ran a successful catering business, which helped me develop my skills and passion for food. At CLIMB, I focus on creating new, delicious, and memorable dishes with a southern twist for everyone to enjoy.
Awesome, so we reached out because we wanted to hear all about what you have been up to since we last connected.
I remember the exciting days of summer 2024 when Razvan and I embarked on our journey of owning CLIMB Elevated Eatery in Lake City. It felt like a dream come true, filled with both excitement and a sprinkle of anxiety as we navigated the ups and downs of our first year.
As summer unfolded, we experienced several successes that filled us with pride. Our menu, inspired by local flavors and seasonal ingredients, quickly gained popularity. We embraced the vibrant community around us, hosting events that brought people together over good food and great company. Each weekend, we saw our outdoor seating area bustling with families and friends enjoying the beautiful Lake City atmosphere, which was truly rewarding.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. We faced hurdles along the way, from supply chain issues to staffing challenges. The learning curve was steep as we tried to balance quality with efficiency, and some days felt overwhelming. But each challenge taught us valuable lessons about resilience and adaptability in the restaurant industry.
As summer began to fade, we shifted our focus to preparing for the winter season. We wanted to create a warm, inviting space that would be a cozy retreat for our patrons. We brainstormed new ideas and decided to change our menu to feature heartier, comfort dishes that would resonate with the chilly weather. Our vision was to foster a welcoming atmosphere where people could gather and share stories, no matter the season.
Looking ahead, our vision for the future is bright. We plan to introduce seasonal rotating menus made from locally sourced ingredients and are exploring collaborations with local artisans to enhance our offerings. We aim to position CLIMB as not just a place to eat, but a community hub where creativity and culinary excellence intersect. This year has been a remarkable journey, and we’re excited to see where it leads us next.
We also want to give folks a chance to get to know you a bit better so we’ve prepared a fun lightning round of questions. Ready?
Favorite Movie: The Shawshank Redemption
Favorite Book: Into the Wild – Jon Krakauker
Favorite TV Show: Friends
Favorite Band or Artist: Mumford & Sons
Sweet or Savory: Savory
Mountains or Beach: Mountains
Favorite Sport (to watch): Football(soccer)
Favorite Sport (to play): Basketball
Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): Football (soccer) & basketball
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: Homicide Detective
French Fries or Onion Rings: French Fries
Chuck Rhodes or Bobby Axelrod: Chuck Rhodes
Favorite Cartoon growing up: Scooby Doo
Favorite Childhood movie: Home Alone
Favorite Breakfast Food: Oats
What are you most excited about in the coming year?
As we look ahead to the upcoming year, there are several key areas that genuinely excite me about the future of CLIMB Elevated Eatery.
First and foremost, growing our lunch service is a top priority. We’ve seen an increasing demand for lunch options in Lake City, and I’m confident we can fill that gap with a menu that’s both delicious and convenient. We’re brainstorming ideas for quick yet flavorful offerings that cater to the busy pace of our community. I envision vibrant salads, hearty grain bowls, and some of our classic favorites available for a quick grab-and-go or a relaxing lunch break. Our goal is to create a lunch experience that feels as warm and welcoming as our dinner service.
Another exciting focus is preparing for expansion. We’ve been carefully evaluating our current space and exploring ways to enhance it, allowing us to improve service capacity and introduce new experiences. This could include the addition of a proper bar, new menu items, catering or tasting events. Expanding our space would enable us to serve more guests while maintaining the unique dining experience that CLIMB is known for.
While there may be challenges ahead, I believe that with great risk comes the potential for great reward. We are committed to preserving the quality and personal touch our customers love, even as we grow.
Website: https://climbeatery.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lakecityclimb/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/climbelevatedeatery
Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/r2r/LKD-lJQd3MnbGJHaUveDDQ
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