It’s fair to say that the success rate for a new restaurant is low. Staggeringly so. While the exact metrics can be hard to quantify, it’s estimated that new restaurants have a 60% chance of not continuing past the first year. Consequently, being in the business of starting restaurants necessitates an intrepid spirit (or two). That’s where the Platts come in.
Though Mark and Karoline Platt have made quite a name for themselves here, neither are originally from the area – Mark is from Rochester, NY and Karoline is from Boulder, CO. The two met in Aspen, marrying in 1986, and ended up in Folsom, 11 years later.
Before opening their first restaurant, Mark had amassed an extensive background working in restaurants and Karoline had experience in hospitality. In addition to their complimentary professional expertise, they shared a mutual passion. “Our vision for our restaurants was to create a warm and welcoming environment with great food and amazing customer service,” Karoline notes.
And that they did. They had been in the market for ‘shuttered former restaurant locations,’ Karoline recalls when they happened upon the original El Dorado Hills Sienna location (formerly Mask Restaurant). Knowing the odds of establishing a successful new restaurant, one could say they gambled on their first endeavor when they opened Sienna Restaurant in 2010. But they had a remarkably steady hand as they rolled the dice. As Karoline explains, “We felt we knew the community. All of our restaurants are located in the suburbs. We understand how to cater to that crowd.”
Perhaps it was their confidence that made Sienna so successful; a legacy that continues to this day. Of course, it could also be the scintillating experience of dining at Sienna – the elegant atmosphere, delectable hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and warm customer service. “Sienna is our wine country-inspired brand,” Karoline shares, and this is the perfect descriptor. Sienna has a unique ambiance that feels both luxurious and relaxed. This spirit has only been improved since the move to the Montano De El Dorado Plaza. The new location is replete with a spectacular outdoor patio area where they will be hosting special ‘Napa wine dinners’ in the spring.
While many restaurateurs would be satisfied with establishing one successful business, the Platts parlayed the success of Sienna into six more restaurants. Shortly after opening Sienna, they opened Land Ocean in Folsom in 2011 – and then Land Ocean in Roseville in 2015, another Sienna Location in Roseville in 2017, two additional Land Ocean locations in Reno, NV, and Meridian, ID in 2019 and 2021 (respectively), and finally, South Fork Grille in El Dorado Hills in 2022. Karoline describes South Fork as, ‘a bit more casual,’ with an ‘eclectic menu’ of different cuisines including sushi rolls, fun appetizers, and various seafood and meat selections.
From Sienna to South Fork, they have amassed nothing short of a culinary empire. When asked what sets them apart, Karoline answers, “Our unique locations, our weekly fitness special, and how we treat our employees. All 7 of our restaurants are solely locally owned and operated by Mark and I, and our incredible staff.”
It helps that Mark and Karoline are such a strong team. They have a natural yin-yang dynamic – he’s the numbers guy, and she has an eye for design. Needless to say, they have a wealth of experience in learning how to work together as a cohesive unit after 38 years of marriage, 14 of those as restaurant owners. “We have our ups and downs,” Karoline reflects, “but we have been able to work through issues to discover where our talents are best utilized.” Framed this way, it makes perfect sense that a strong marriage would translate to a strong business partnership – and a string of successful restaurants. And perhaps this is why they have no intention of resting on their laurels. Karoline notes that they intend to open ‘a few more’ restaurants before slowly easing into retirement.
Knowing the precarious nature of the restaurant industry makes it all the more impressive to reflect on what the Platts have accomplished. They have had the kind of success that will undoubtedly leave a legacy. While neither of their children has an interest in the industry, Karoline says, “We hope that the restaurants can sustain after we retire and keep all the wonderful staff employed.” Here’s hoping the Platts don’t retire anytime soon – though fortunately for us, they have implemented a succession plan that will keep our favorite restaurants running for years to come.
“Our vision for our restaurants was to create a warm and welcoming environment with great food and amazing customer service."
“What sets us apart is our unique locations, our weekly fitness special, and how we treat our employees. All 7 of our restaurants are solely locally owned and operated by Mark and I, and our incredible staff.”
