Our love, our passion, comes through in so many ways. For some, passion for work and a love of a partner wind up being with the same person. Running a business together, though, means learning how to get along not only as life partners, but as colleagues. It also means keeping focus both on your own spark, and your connection with the broader community.
In business as in love, these local couples keep it strong at home, while creating great food and drink pairings at beloved area establishments that bring together not only neighbors, but one another.
Felicia Kirsch (CEO) and Garrett Kirsch (Executive Chef)
You might know them from: Our Chef’s Table, NorthWest Burgers (closed), Seasoned at Claim 52 Brewing
Felicia Kirsch and Garrett Kirsch met in December 2005 while completing the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Program at Lane Community College (LCC). From raising a family to opening NorthWest Burgers in Eugene’s 5th Street Market in 2014, “we were able to see how well we worked together and knew we could take it beyond the grind,” says Felicia.
In February 2024, the Kirsches hosted their first pop-up, Seasoned, bringing a long-pursued passion project to life.
“We believe in each other and let the individual shine without second-guessing,” explains Felicia. “We both share the same goal, and that’s giving our community the best food and atmosphere possible while being successful.”
Throughout their relationship and business endeavors, they learned to handle the unique challenges that come not only from sharing a life together, but a business. A key component? Understanding and leaning into each other’s strengths.
“We used to focus on working as many hours as possible to offset payroll and to guarantee the highest quality product,” says Garrett. “With our new adventure, we have completely shifted our roles.”
Now, Felicia serves as chief executive officer (CEO), overseeing the business and finances. Executive chef Garrett heads up the kitchen’s chef team.
“Our end goal is to make people smile and laugh on their way out,” says Garrett.
Seasoned’s gastropub menu is available all week at Claim 52 Brewery. Throughout the week, the Kirsches highlight organic, seasonal produce and beverage pairings with a 6-9 course fine dining experience called Our Chef’s Table.
“We really shine and get to showcase what we have to offer using Claim 52 beer, neighborhood wineries, organic farms, local pottery, glassblowers, and more from our community,” explains Felicia.
Monthly themed dinners give a home to imaginative, innovative dining experiences, cooked and served by Garrett and Felicia. Coming up? December offers a New Year’s Eve-themed dinner, an annual Truffle Dinner in January, and “a very special Valentine’s dinner” in February.
Kirsten Hansen (Wine Nerd and Co-Owner) and Crystal Platt (Chef and Co-Owner)
You might know them from: Lion and Owl, Lemon & Olive, and the space formerly known as The Paddock (coming soon)
It’s fitting that not only two popular establishments, not to mention a relationship of over 10 years, began over food and wine.
Kirsten Hansen and Crystal Platt, owners of Lion & Owl restaurant and the Lemon & Olive bar, met at Marché in 2010, where James Beard-nominated Crystal was the chef de cuisine and Kirsten worked front of the house and in the wine program.
“We were responsible for creating pairings for several special dinners and wine events. We had a blast developing menus, creating food and beverage pairings, and were mutually impressed with each other’s knowledge,” says Kirsten. “Our admiration for our individual talents led to a love affair.”
After leaving Marche in 2015, the couple worked for several seasons creating menus, plus cocktail and wine pairings, in New Zealand. They opened their Airstream-housed Lion and Owl in Eugene in 2017. Their signature pairings grew a devoted following, which fueled their shift from the camper to a brick-and-mortar location in early 2019.
At work, Kirsten runs the wine program and the business side, while Crystal runs the kitchen. They give each other space and decision-making agency, but know when to support each other.
“We complement each other and balance out our weaknesses,” says Kirsten. “Crystal pushes our creativity forward, and I keep the business aspect grounded and running smoothly.”
Whether focusing on their respective expertise or collaborating, the pair stays focused on how food experiences, such as gathering over a glass of wine or an incredible feast, make people feel connected. They seek to bring that to every guest, and to one another at home.
“Sharing special experiences together as a couple, whether it be an elegant meal in a foreign country or the greatest grilled cheese curled up in front of our fireplace, has drawn us closer,” says Kirsten. “We love sharing our food memories with our guests, and love the memories we can help create with the perfect cocktail or wine pairing.”
After hosting a holiday champagne party at Lemon & Olive, the pair plan to close both Lion & Owl and Lemon & Olive right before Christmas as part of a “reimagining.” Kirsten and Crystal are taking over the space formerly known as The Paddock, in South Eugene.
“We opened a restaurant because the joys (and sometimes sorrows) that people share over a great meal is bonding,” says Kirsten. “We will bring our joy of connecting people to this community, and look forward to welcoming Eugene in a new space this upcoming year!”
Afton Towry & Andrew Head (Owners)
You might know them from: Apona Vineyards
When Oregon smashed California 44-28 on Nov. 7, 2015, it turns out the Ducks weren’t the only winners. Afton Towry and Andrew Head met at that game.
Over time, the two not only have tended a relationship, but as owners of the 100-acre Apona Vineyards outside Veneta, a winery and working horse barn.
“We both have that builder mindset and love watching things grow and transform when we’ve had a hand in it,” says Afton.
With a love of wine and all things equine, the two have learned to play to one another’s strengths in love and at work. Just as food and wine are universal connectors, their connection with one another brings about something bigger than both of them.
“Andy is the big visionary. He dreams up incredible ideas and sees the larger picture,” explains Afton. “I’m very detail-oriented and focused on execution. That balance keeps us grounded and allows us to bring those big ideas to life.”
2025 saw the opening of a patio and indoor tasting room, and the couple continues building out more ways to bring together food, wine, and people.
“We’ll be introducing some chef-driven dinners and special pairing events as we move into winter and spring,” notes Afton. “No matter where you’re from, sitting down to share good food and great wine brings people together. It’s the foundation of community.”
Bonnie Burns Oberlander (General Manager, Owner, and Baker) & Jonathan Scott Oberlander (Owner and Winemaker)
You might know them from: J. Scott Cellars, La Dolce Vita Bakery
Bonnie Burns Oberlander and Jonathan Oberlander met in 1991 while working at a restaurant in San Diego and studying at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and San Diego State University (SDSU), respectively.
“We had many common interests and loved watching local bands together, going to the beach, eating at amazing restaurants and sailing on Mission Bay,” recalls Bonnie.
Married in 1997, they moved to Monterey, CA, in 1998, where Bonnie started a career in veterinary medicine and Jonathan in winemaking. In 2004, they moved with their two daughters to Eugene. Originally assistant winemaker at Silvan Ridge Winery, Jonathan advanced to head of the winemaking team, but he also established his own J. Scott Cellars wine brand.
After shifting his full attention and energy to J. Scott Cellars in 2013, Jonathan opened wine bar J. Scott Cellars in 5th Street Public Market in 2020. Seeking a change, Bonnie sold her veterinary practice in 2022 to serve both as general manager at J. Scott Cellars—and as owner and baker at La Dolce Vita bakery.
When not baking goodies or savoring wine, Bonnie and Jonathan enjoy bike rides along the river, perhaps followed by an Italian, Thai or sushi restaurant, or a local brewery. No matter where they go, good food and drink pair naturally with time together.
“We love going to Bend in the summer to hike, ride bikes, float the river and swim in the lakes,” says Bonnie. “In the winter, we like to watch storms from our hotel room on the beach in Yachats. We enjoy exploring Cannon Beach and Seaside in the spring and fall, while participating in their biannual wine walks and going to Astoria every April to participate in the annual seafood and wine festival.”
J. Scott is beating the winter blues with live music on the second Saturday of each month from 5-7 p.m., along with Wine Wednesdays, every Wednesday from 3-8 p.m., where all wine by the glass is 50% off.
Shane Meisel (Owner and President) & Casey Meisel (Owner and Chief Operating Officer)
You might know them from: Euphoria Chocolate Company
Food and business are also part of husband-and-wife team Shane Meisel and Casey Meisel, who met in 2012, started dating in 2015, and took over ownership of Euphoria Chocolate Company in 2025.
The moment they first encountered each other, Shane saw clearly that they had something special. That’s all the more fitting, since he first saw Casey while in the lobby at optics manufacturer Leupold, waiting for a job interview.
“I told my coworker,” says Shane, “my future wife is sitting in the lobby. From the moment we saw each other, we had something special.”
On their first date at McMenamins, Shane even “let her have my Cajun tater tots to take home.”
For Casey, she knew Shane was the one when “we were flirting via instant messaging, and the topic of kids came up,” she explains. “We were talking about how many kids we each wanted, and I just knew that we would have a family together.”
Along with time at the Euphoria chocolate factory and Euphoria chocolate stores, Shane and Casey enjoy attending football games at Autzen Stadium, watching women’s volleyball at Matthew Knight Arena, and taking their dog to Wayne Morris Park Ranch dog park. But nothing pairs better with time together than hitting up their favorite local restaurants, such as Burrito Boy, Beppe & Gianni’s Trattoria, and Mazzi’s.
“Luckily, we live close to Prince Pückler’s, so we love walking down there with the kids and getting ourselves a sweet treat,” says Shane. “We’re just looking forward to creating our own traditions here in Eugene so that our kids can grow up and realize what a special place this community is.”
In addition to an annual sale coming in January, Euphoria is the title sponsor of February’s Cupid Chocolate Chase Fun Run.
