Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaci Goff.
Hi Kaci, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My name is Kaci Goff. I have been in the hospitality industry for over a decade. I attended culinary in 2009, and my career started in Temecula Wine Country in Southern California and spanned the West Coast from Los Angeles, Seattle, and most recently, San Diego. I moved to Austin last fall and am rebranding my former pop-up Wolf and Woman to White Elephant. I have operated for over five years, and it has been an exploration of Malaysian-Tamilian-inspired cuisine. I showcase regionally sourced ingredients with a modern take on the food of my maternal heritage. I am working towards a brick-and-mortar in 2024.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
The restaurant industry houses a lot of abuse, discrimination, harassment, and lack of living wages. The toxic culture that’s upheld is a work in progress that some leaders are addressing, but we still have a long way to go to create a more inclusive and safe work environment for everyone.
We’ve been impressed with White Elephant, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
White Elephant is a rebrand of my former pop-up, Wolf and Woman, which I started in Seattle five years ago. It is an exploration of my heritage as I create my interpretation of third-culture cuisine. I ran Wolf and Woman by myself for five years, and as I rebrand into White Elephant, it will be a more polished version of my work as I’ve gained so much knowledge and experience over the five years. Wolf and Woman is a house-made masala and hot sauce line and will have a shop back up by springtime.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I learned how fragile the restaurant industry really was and still is and how important it is to have a sustainable business model that benefits yourself, your staff, and the community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.instagram.com/wolfandwomanmasala
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/whiteelephantrestaurantatx
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/OkBjE9qKEuY
- Other: www.exploretock.com/whiteelephantatx
Image Credits
Photographers Derrick Reed, Arlene Ibarra, Kimberly Motos, and Alex Alford.
