Meet Lauryn Duncan

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauryn Duncan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauryn, what do you want people to remember about you?
At our two sister restaurants Local Tap House & Kitchen (LTH) and Ryes & Grind, our legacy is deeply rooted in fostering a familial atmosphere that extends beyond our team and into our community. We pride ourselves on being more than just establishments; we are gathering places where relationships are nurtured, and every guest feels at home.

Our commitment to serving exceptional cuisine and beverages is matched by our dedication to creating a warm, welcoming environment. This approach has cultivated a loyal base of regular patrons who return not just for the “bomb food” and “tasty drinks,” but also for the genuine connections they experience with our staff and fellow guests.

In the face of rapid development in Oceanside,CA, we stand as a testament to the importance of independently owned businesses in preserving the unique character of North County San Diego. By collaborating with local breweries and adapting our offerings to reflect the community’s evolving tastes, we ensure that our sister restaurants remain vibrant hubs of local culture.

Ultimately, we hope our legacy is defined by the lasting relationships we’ve built, the community we’ve helped strengthen, and the enduring memories we’ve created for all who walk through our doors!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career has been anything but linear, and I take a lot of pride in the path I’ve carved for myself. I started in the food and beverage industry as a host, working my way up through nearly every front-of-house position before stepping into my current role. I wanted to build a career that merged my creative skills with my love for storytelling, branding, and community engagement.

I think the ability to wear many hats has been pivotal to my success. I don’t just plan events or manage social media—I understand the industry inside and out because I’ve lived it. I know what it’s like to be in the trenches on a packed Saturday night or Sunday brunch, and those experiences allow me to truly empathize with both our team and our guests. When people book private events with us—whether it’s a corporate gathering, birthday celebration, rehearsal dinner, or anniversary—they’re trusting us with their special moments. I take that responsibility seriously, ensuring every event is executed with care, attention to detail, and a personal touch that makes it memorable.

Getting here wasn’t easy. Balancing school, work, and building a career took persistence and sacrifices , and like anyone in the service industry, I’ve had tough days. But I’ve always been driven by the belief that no job is too small and that every experience teaches you something.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oceanside has so much charm, and if my best friend was visiting, I’d make sure they experienced the best of it!
We’d start the day with coffee—because that’s a must. There are SO many great coffee shops here, but I’d take them to O’side Bakery. Their coffee is underrated and SO good. Don’t ask for my order—I switch it up depending on my mood.

After that, we’d do some thrifting and shopping. First stop: Goodwill and Brother Benno’s off Mission for some treasure hunting. Then, we’d make our way toward the beach and hit up Sea hive and all the other shops along Coast Highway. You never know what you’ll find, and that’s half the fun!

A beach walk on the Strand would be next—just to soak in the ocean breeze and get a little sun before lunch. While I could easily take them to one of the restaurants I work at (because they’re amazing), to keep it unbiased, we’d head to Johnny Mañana’s for some enchiladas and a cocktail.

If the vibes are still high and we’re not ready to call it a day, we’d stop by Sound by the Sea or Jazzy Wishbone for some music… maybe a lil dancey-dance. I LOVE both of those places. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a day of exploring Oceanside.

And that’s just one day—imagine a whole week! There’s no shortage of cool places, great food, and fun things to do here.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a huge shoutout to the management team that keeps both Local Tap House & Kitchen (LTH) and Ryes & Grind running every day. Jessica Sanchez (General Manager), Jazmin Sanchez (Bar Manager), Gabe Hogan (Owner), and Chef Ricardo have all played a pivotal role in my journey.

When I first started, I was hired as a host—the entry point for many in the restaurant industry. But under their guidance, encouragement, and support, I was given the opportunity to grow. Over the years, I’ve worked almost every position in the restaurant—host, food runner, busser, expo, server, bartender—and now, I’ve stepped into my current role as the Events and Marketing Coordinator.

Their leadership not only helped me develop professionally but also gave me the space to earn a living while pursuing my B.A. in Communication at California State University San Marcos. Now, post-college, I’m fortunate to be working full-time in a field that aligns with my passions. I feel incredibly blessed to have had this opportunity, and I owe so much of my growth to the amazing people who believed in me along the way.

I also want to give a huge thank you to my coworkers. If you’ve ever worked in food and beverage, you know that some days are tough—not every shift is roses and sunshine. But having an incredible team by my side, people who have my back through the chaos, truly makes all the difference. The camaraderie, the support, and the genuine friendships I’ve built here are what keep me going, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

Website: https://www.localtaphouse.com | https://www.ryesandgrind.com

Instagram: Keep up with me @Lauryn.duncan

Linkedin: laurynduncan16

Other: Personal Digital Portfolio: https://laurynduncan.my.canva.site/digital-portfolio