Buy Local Food In Kitsap

Henry, Jeff and Jocelyn Waite

Since 1997, Jeff and his wife Jocelyn have managed the Harbour Public House and Harbour Marina, businesses that Jocelyn’s parents created from the 1880s era Grow Family waterfront homestead on Bainbridge Island.  In 2007 they acquired Pegasus Coffee House, one of the greater Seattle area’s longest running espresso houses. In 2002 with the help of their chef and staff the Pub made a commitment to organic produce and free-range protein products. And, Pegasus, with a fresh remodel, is now following along. While that decision was a tough one at the outset, they haven’t regretted it since. The Bainbridge Island community instantly reinforced the concept that quality food matters.

That’s not to say that converting their menus to “free-range & organic” hasn’t been a challenge, but far less of a challenge than making the move to “local”… a commitment that they really want to embrace.

Now they are looking for local markets to tap with only limited success. “We look forward to the day that we may know our protein producers as well as our produce growers because they are our neighbors,”  Jeff states.

So, like the rest of the board candidates, Jeff’s interest in the KCAA board is a personal one. It is also one that some would say is self-serving. “We need to encourage folks to be growers, so we can buy what they grow. At this point in time, there’s not a lot grown that we have access to. Our beer list has, from day one, been a Washington-only commitment, so making a commitment to local food production is consistent with our desire to celebrate our region’s successes.”

Regularly they are simultaneously hosts to visitors from all over the world and locals alike while serving up food and beverages featuring sustainably grown ingredients. Over the years, they have employed hundreds of people and have been actively and financially involved in Bainbridge community organizations and charities. The family of businesses frequently contributes to civic activities such as youth sailing programs, Bainbridge Performing Arts and the BI Historical Society.

“We’re all about keeping our community connected to each other.” Jeff explains. “It’s truly gratifying when your passion, your family and your business are all focused on the same thing.”

Jeff’s previous experiences include management positions with the Bainbridge Island Public Works Department and the US Marine Corps and volunteer work with the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce.