Experience behind the scenes. Perspective beyond them.

Jen Avina

Founder · The Avina Company

Her career spans restaurant openings, general management, wine buying, and independent business ownership, giving her a firsthand understanding of both the creative and operational sides of hospitality.

Having worked on both sides of the Atlantic, Jen brings an international perspective to her consulting practice, combining the warmth and energy of California hospitality with London's dynamic food and wine culture.

Her consulting work includes operational development and management systems for restaurants such as Mish Deli and Honey Hi in Los Angeles, as well as wine retail, hospitality operations, and experiential programming for Philglas & Swiggot, Bottle Apostle and Drop Wine in London.

As the founder and former owner of Damn Yankee, a wine bar and merchant in London, Jen brings an owner's perspective to her consulting work. Her experience encompasses everything from building teams and developing wine programs to navigating the day-to-day complexities of running a hospitality business, always with a focus on creating memorable guest experiences.

Through The Avina Company, Jen works with independent restaurants, wine-focused businesses, and private clients, bringing together practical operational expertise, a thoughtful approach to wine, and a belief that great hospitality should feel effortless, even when the work behind it is anything but.

“The best hospitality is often in the details people don't consciously notice, but absolutely feel. It's the timing, the attention, the little things that make someone feel looked after. And the real work is creating a team and systems that deliver that experience consistently, not just when everything happens to fall into place.”