129. The Success Story of Malibu Farms with Helena Henderson
Show Notes:
About the Guest(s):
Helene Henderson is a celebrated culinary expert and the visionary behind Malibu Farm, a renowned restaurant located on the iconic Malibu Pier in California.
Originally from Sweden, Helene made her way to the United States, bringing with her a passion for farm-to-table dining. Her journey in the culinary world began with intimate cooking classes and dinners in her backyard, which eventually evolved into the Malibu Farm brand.
Malibu Farm is known for its fresh, accessible, and vegetable-forward menu that reflects Helene’s commitment to simplicity and sustainability. Her brand has expanded internationally, with locations in the U.S. and Japan, embodying her love for quality, community, and authenticity.
Episode Summary:
Join us in this inspiring episode where Stefan sits down with Helene Henderson, the creative force behind Malibu Farm.
Discover how a girl from the far north of Sweden made her way to Malibu, California, and ultimately established one of the most popular farm-to-table restaurants on the Malibu Pier.
Helene discusses her adventurous journey, from being a private chef to operating a buzzing eatery that epitomizes her vegetable-forward philosophy.
This conversation offers insights into how Malibu Farm has transitioned to become a staple in the local and international food scene.
Helene shares the story of Malibu Farm’s unique position on a California state park pier, explaining the importance of accessible and straightforward menus that cater to a broad audience.
The discussion covers the brand’s expansion into various locations, including the U.S. and internationally in Japan, emphasizing her strategic moves and focus on operational success rather than just licensing. Helene also opens up about her Swedish roots, the cultural experiences she has brought to California, and how she maintains her values and mission amidst the brand’s growth.
Dive into her personal reflections on identity, the significance of her Swedish heritage, and how these have influenced her professional journey.
Key Takeaways:
- Helene Henderson’s journey from Sweden to Malibu captures the spirit of adventure and determination in pursuing one’s passion.
- Malibu Farm’s philosophy centers around simple, vegetable-forward, and accessible dining that appeals to a wide range of customers.
- Expansion into other states and countries showcases Malibu Farm’s growing influence and commitment to maintaining quality and community engagement.
- Helene opens up about the cultural nuances of growing up as a person of color in Sweden and her experience in Los Angeles’s multicultural environment.
- Sustainability, community, and authenticity are core themes that drive the Malibu Farm brand and Helene’s vision for the future.
Notable Quotes:
- “The day I met my husband, he’s like, I’m saving all my money and I’m moving to Malibu.”
- “We’re trying to be a little bit broader and really embrace the idea that we are in a state park and not get too out of reach for anyone.”
- “The name of my blog was Malibu Farm, which was a cooking blog for people to take my cooking class.”
- “My favorite thing is I don’t like to be seen. That’s why if you go on my Instagram, I seldom put a picture of myself.”
- “I’m always an outsider, right. I’m a lifetime outsider. So I’m always just like, how do I include the outsiders in this conversation?”
Resources:
- Malibu Farm Website – To explore menus, events, and locations.
- Helene Henderson’s Instagram – For updates and insights into the Malibu Farm brand.
- CoffeeLux – Mentioned as the coffee provider that became a pivotal part of Malibu Farm’s story.