John Bookwalter

President & CEO

Chapter Two Hospitality

What has been your/your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months?

The successful launch of our new food concept in Pasco, Non-Fiction.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

Never compare your insides to someone’s outside.

What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?

I grew up around farming so really anything my dad asked me to do around the farm was my first job. When you work in farming you learn you work until the work is done, period, there are no set hours.

To whom or where do you go for sound business advice?

I am very fortunate that I have had several mentors in my life, including my father who provided sage advice.  That being said, more recently I lean heavily upon my close friends who have been very successful in their business careers.

Name one item on your bucket list.

Travel abroad.

Name one thing about yourself you want people to know.

I am genuine.  

What is your favorite Tri-Cities restaurant and what do you order there?

I am just slightly biased but I would have to say Fiction.

Is your company using AI in some capacity, and if so, how?  

Yes, more and more all the time. We are using it to develop back label copy for wines, business plans for new wine offerings, menu ideas and development, and even staffing in the restaurants.

What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry?

We have some wine brand extensions that include bubbles under the Readers label, a new package extension under Notebook, and the launch of Vista de los Azules, our Walla Walla Rocks brand addition.

If you had one wish for the Tri-Cities, what would it be?

A central downtown area that is vibrant and welcoming to folks of all ages.