Ash Management, Jason Gable + Eric DeMatteo, San Luis Obispo County

Matt Cross Tap Takeover Episode

Ash Management owns and operates many, many restaurants and bars across the Central Coast, including the Frog & Peach Pub, Mother’s Tavern, Shell Beach Brewhouse, Rooster Creek Tavern, Mason Bar & Kitchen, Creaky Tiki, Milestone Tavern, and Bull’s Tavern. In fact, Bull’s Tavern is where it all began for Ash Management owner Billy Hale, who started as a janitor there while studying at Cal Poly University in the 80s. Billy leans on two critical people to keep the Ash Management properties on point: Jason Gable and Eric DeMatteo. These two are sort of the yin and yang of management, Jason focusing on the back of house and Eric focusing on the front of house. The two of them sat down with me and Matt to talk about their humble beginnings, how they’re raising a generation of employees, and how Californians are different from East Coasters.

*Note: Ash Management owns too many properties to list — besides, that list keeps changing! Here, I’ll list the main spots we chat about in the episode.

Shell Beach Brewhouse / @shellbeachbrewhouse

Rooster Creek Tavern / @roostercreektavern

Mason Bar + Kitchen / @masonbarandkitchen

Central Coast Meat Market & BBQ / @centralcoastmeatmarket