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There is something incredibly freeing about the idea of picking one thing you want to be the best at and just charging forward with that.

Let me introduce you to Jen Pelka, the Founder of The Riddler and Magnum PR. I came across Jen through an article that was highlighting the best wine bars of San Francisco. As I scrolled the article, I was drawn to the name The Riddler and their catchy motto "Hello, Old Friend." As I read more about the concept behind the champagne bar my instincts told me there must be someone amazingly creative behind the idea of this unique bar. That's when I found out about Jen Pelka.

Jen Pelka is as real as they come. She runs two companies; one being her champagne bar, The Riddler, which is located in a San Francisco neighborhood called Hayes Valley. It's a chic and trendy place where you will find over 100 different champagnes, an informative and friendly staff to assist you with your choice of bubbly, and tasty small plates that complement the bubbly you end up indulging.

Her other company is a full-service communication and marketing agency called Magnum PR which concentrates on marketing solutions for restaurants. Some of her clients include Shake Shack, Bird Song, and 4505 Meats.

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The goal for The Riddler is to be the best champagne bar in the country probably in the world.

Talking to Jen, you can hear why she has been successful thus far. She has a clear vision on where she wants to take each company. With The Riddler she in on the mission to become the best champagne bar in the world and Magnum PR is currently in the position to become the number one digital marketing agency for restaurants in San Francisco.

In this podcast, you will get a sense that Jen is a fearless risk-taker and has an eye for branding and marketing. We spoke about how and when she fell in love with the restaurant industry. She talked about the day she opened The Riddler and how amazing it felt to have built this space. Jen also answers questions about what two traits she sees in herself on why she has been successful thus far and what her vision of the future is, as Jen continues to build her restaurant empire. Lastly, for those who are new to the champagne world, Jen gives her recommendation on what champagne you should try.

Jen Pelka, as she stated in the podcast is...."a badass."

Enjoy the episode and keep being a "DOER."

In this episode, here are Some Questions I ask & what You will learn:

Jen introduces The Riddler (1:24)

Jen talks about her background (2:15)

When did Jen start her entrepreneurial journey?  (2:45)

The beginning of Magnum PR. (3:30)

Jen talks about her dad. (4:20)

Jen talks about she always wanted to open up a restaurant. (5:13)

Jen's first experience in the restaurant world. (5:40)

Jen talks about how The Riddler is just the beginning. (7:38)

Jen's Goals (7:51)

Traveling through Champagne (8:10)

Where did the inspiration come from for The Riddler and its motto "Hello, Old Friend." (9:10)

The day she opened "The Riddler". (12:30)

Splitting time between both companies. (13:40)

What's Jen's typical day like? (15:28)

Jen talks about the new co-working space "The Assembly". (16:28)

What has been Jen's biggest learning experience? (17:30)

Jen talks about getting over the idea of us having to do everything. (19:02)

What is Jen's two strengths she sees in herself that has kept her successful  (19:57)

The Riddler's Vision is to be... (20:55)

Magnum PR vision is to be... (21:02)

Jen talks about how building brands comes naturally to her (21:46)

Figure out what you want to be the best at and charge ahead (24:10)

WIDWID (25:00)

What Jen does for fun. (26:30)

How Jen stays motivated. (28:00)

Taking a breathe in as a creative (30:10)

Jen's current  favorite Champagne and what she recommends for someone who is new to champagne.  (31:19)

Talks about how she is partnering up for her own Champagne label. (33:42)

How Jen wants to define her legacy. (34:31)

Jen is... (35:00)

Contact Info  (35:20)

Editor’s Note: This story was shared through a Scotch Parlor Podcast. Photography was done by Rick Scotch at The Riddler in San Francisco, CA