Check Out Krista Slater’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Krista Slater.

Krista, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Here is my brief Bio:
Krista Slater is a visual artist turned sommelier who likes ice-cold martinis and intentional spaces. A certified sommelier since 2006, she has worked for nearly 20 years in the world of wine retail, bars, and fine dining, first in California and currently in Georgia. For nearly 10 years she lived in Atlanta, half of which were spent operating the lauded cocktail destination, H. Harper Station, with husband and business partner, Jerry Slater. They left Atlanta for Athens, GA and since 2018 have opened The Expat, an Italian-inspired bistro and cocktail bar, The Lark, a wine bar and shop, Slater’s Steakhouse, their ode to velvet draped and martini drenched mid-century dining, and cocktail bar Nighthawks Lounge. Krista is also a wine & spirits columnist for the Atlanta Journal Constitution, and every now and then, she still finds time to paint.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There is no such thing as a smooth road as far as I know. But struggles are the real learning opportunities. They are also the path to gratitude and giving back when you do achieve success. When I lived in San Francisco as a young person working in wine bars and restaurants, I often paid for groceries on credit cards. I slept in the booth of a bar I worked at when I (frequently) missed the last train home. But access to the wine and food culture, and the people creating it, was invaluable, and worth the lack of a safety net.
When we closed H. Harper, we didn’t have a plan, other than just moving forward. The financial burdens of closing a business are major; but almost no one talks about the emotional burden of the mourning period that is involved with closing a business. We worked some consulting gigs in the years to follow, which paid the bills; but for us as entrepreneurs, it was not fulfilling work. We wanted to build something for ourselves again. And we did, but it took years of planning, seeking out the right space, finding investment.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a partner in four food & beverage establishments (bars and restaurants), as well as a wine & spirits columnist for the AJC. Wine is my specialty, as a sommelier of 20 years. We are dedicated to sharing in great wines from small producers, with low-intervention and regenerative farming practices. I am most proud of the high level of hospitality we commit to in every space. We are as much or more about spaces that foster community than about spaces for great food and drink.

What matters most to you?
Wow. pretty big question! Time spent with my husband, and my close friends. Moving my body in the form of long runs-this is exercise and therapy. The time and space to be creative, and to foster and collaborate with others in creative thought. I think all of these things make my life full, and are central to making me successful and happy at what I do for a living.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thelarkwinespace.com
• Instagram: @thelarkwinespace