Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, Alicia’s culinary promise took form at a very young age. From very early on, she was surrounded by incredible from scratch cooks that showed her great food is prepared simply, honestly, and takes time. She attributes much of her creative inspiration to her grandmother, mom, and mother-in- law, who showed her that food is much more than just nourishment; it is passion, it is innovation, it is love. It is these ideas that guide Alicia’s culinary perspective even today. Alicia said, “For me, The Goat and Vine is a place where I can share my culinary creations, made the same way that I make it for my family today, from scratch, honestly, and with a genuine showing of love.”
Prior to opening The Goat and Vine, Alicia was the owner/operator of Great Harvest Bread Company for six years. Her store quickly became ranked in the top 20 bakeries across the country for six consecutive years, an accomplishment that has not been replicated throughout the Great Harvest system to date.
Prior to bringing Great Harvest Bread Company to Temecula, Alicia and her husband Brad owned McGee Homes, where they were custom home builders in Alaska. Their work was so well regarded in the industry that it was featured on HGTV and has earned them the coveted Golden Hammer Award in building.
Alicia is a licensed real estate agent, and a licensed general contractor both in California and Alaska. She has also worked as a middle school science teacher and high school volleyball coach.
Her hospitality experience spans over two decades, working in some of Alaska’s most well regarded restaurants, and later as owner/operator of her own concept. Alicia holds her Bachelor of Science degree in natural science from the University of Alaska, Anchorage. She is also an avid learner in all things food and hospitality.
When not working, Alicia enjoys eating great food, cooking, good books, outdoor adventures, and time spent with her family.