Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Pagan.
Hi Kayla, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in the restaurant industry. My grandfather and my father both owned restaurants, so hospitality has always been a part of my life. From a young age, I learned that owning a restaurant is about so much more than serving food—it’s about creating a place where people feel welcome, building relationships, and becoming a part of the community.
Today, those values are at the heart of everything we do. I genuinely love the hospitality industry because it allows me to provide for myself while creating a space where guests feel at home. Supporting other local businesses and organizations is also incredibly important to me, and I make it a priority to incorporate and give back to our community whenever possible.
One thing I’m especially proud of is that we are a predominantly women-run business. Watching our team grow and succeed has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. Every day, we strive to create a welcoming environment not only for our guests, but also for the people who work alongside us. Our goal is to be more than just a restaurant—we want to be a place where the community can gather, celebrate, and feel like family.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has helped shape who we are today. We opened shortly after COVID, so we were navigating a completely different economy than the restaurant industry had experienced before. Rising food costs, supply chain issues, inflation, and changing customer expectations made it a challenging time to build and grow a business.
Like many businesses, finding and retaining dedicated employees with a strong work ethic has also been one of our biggest hurdles. Building the right team takes time, patience, and a commitment to creating a positive workplace culture.
Another challenge has been establishing myself as a woman in an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated. Earning respect and proving myself has required confidence, resilience, and a willingness to keep pushing forward, even when things weren’t easy.
While the road has certainly had its obstacles, I truly believe every challenge has been a building block. Each lesson has made us stronger, helped us grow as a business, and reinforced our commitment to serving our community and creating a place people are proud to support.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At the heart of what we do is creating an experience where people feel welcome from the moment they walk through the door. We’re known for great food, genuine hospitality, and being a place where the community can come together—whether it’s to celebrate, watch the big game, or simply enjoy a meal with family and friends.
What I’m most proud of, though, isn’t something I can take all the credit for. Our team deserves just as much recognition. They are the heart of this business. From painting walls and laminating menus to jumping on the line to learn a new position or stepping in wherever they’re needed, they embody what it truly means to be a team. No one here is above any job, and everyone is willing to do whatever it takes to make sure our guests have the best experience possible.
I think that’s what really sets us apart. We lead by example, work alongside one another, and have built a culture where teamwork, respect, and pride in what we do come first. That commitment is reflected in every meal we serve and every guest who walks through our doors. It’s something I’m incredibly proud of, and it’s the foundation of everything we’ve built together.
What’s next?
My biggest goal for the future is to continue growing this family—both within our team and with the customers who walk through our doors. I want our business to keep being a place where employees feel supported, valued, and proud of what they’re building together, and where guests always feel like they’re coming home.
I’m also passionate about continuing to represent women, especially Hispanic women, in business. I hope our story inspires others to pursue their goals, take chances, and know there’s a place for them in entrepreneurship and leadership.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to keep creating unforgettable experiences for our guests. We want every big game, championship, and watch party to be more than just an event—we want people to feel the same excitement and energy as if they were sitting in the stadium themselves. As we continue to grow, our focus will always remain on great hospitality, community involvement, and creating memories that keep people coming back.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Thestationhousetavernandsportsbar.com
- Instagram: thestationhousetavern
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StationHouseTavernPA
