The Plot Garden Project represents the next phase in a sustainability model that began inside the restaurant itself. Opened in January 2020, just weeks before statewide pandemic shutdowns, the restaurant survived a volatile period for hospitality by doubling down on waste reduction, local sourcing, and regenerative growing practices. What started as a practical response to supply-chain disruptions has since evolved into a broader community-focused effort centered on urban agriculture and food education.
According to co-founder Jessica Waite, the project reflects a belief that community resilience grows slowly, much like a garden. “When you invest in the soil, everything else gets stronger,” Waite said in a statement announcing the nonprofit’s launch.
The idea for The Plot Garden Project took shape after the restaurant secured a lease that included a large parking lot and a residentially zoned structure. Instead of expanding pavement or parking, the team opted to convert unused urban space into productive garden beds. Drawing on personal experiences and the philosophy behind the restaurant’s name, Jessica Waite and chef Davin Waite began transforming the site into a living food system.
Today, the garden encompasses nearly 1,000 square feet in the heart of South Oceanside, supplying herbs, produce, edible flowers, and medicinal plants used daily in the restaurant’s kitchen and bar program. Plans are underway to expand growing areas along alleyways, Tremont Street frontage, and eventually rooftops near the property.
The garden has also become an informal educational space. Guests regularly encounter food growing on-site, while visiting chefs and collaborators harvest ingredients directly for service. Under the guidance of regenerative farmer Bianca Bonilla of Community Roots Farm, the garden has served as both a growing operation and a training ground for staff.
Waste reduction has been central to The Plot’s identity since its opening. The restaurant reports that it utilizes all but less than one percent of incoming ingredients through whole-vegetable cooking, in-house fermentation, and preservation techniques. The addition of on-site growing further shortened supply chains and reduced packaging waste while influencing menu development across the kitchen and beverage program.
As interest in the garden grew, the team recognized limitations in operating such initiatives solely within a for-profit restaurant structure. The Plot Garden Project was formalized as a nonprofit to allow for grant funding, partnerships, and expanded public programming focused on food literacy, sustainability education, and urban growing.
Chef Davin Waite described the nonprofit as a way to scale impact despite ongoing challenges facing independent restaurants. “With the right support, we can amplify this work far beyond what’s possible inside a single kitchen,” he said.
The Plot Garden Project’s stated mission centers on connecting soil health to human health through education, demonstration, and community engagement. Planned activities include expanding urban growing space, operating a local food lab focused on whole-plant utilization, hosting events and educational programming, and producing digital and print media aimed at sustainable cooking and food systems awareness.
The organization estimates its current reach in the hundreds of thousands annually through restaurant guests, media, and online engagement, with plans to significantly expand in the coming year.
About The Plot And Its Founders
The Plot opened in South Oceanside in early 2020 as San Diego County’s first zero-waste, fully plant-based restaurant. Led by chef Davin Waite, the kitchen emphasizes whole-vegetable cooking, fermentation, and total utilization, challenging conventional expectations of plant-based dining.
Jessica and Davin Waite are also known locally for Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub, another South Oceanside institution. A previous fast-casual spinoff, The Plot Express, which once operated in Carlsbad, has since closed.
The Plot Garden Project will host its inaugural public celebration on February 18, from 4 to 7pm at The Plot, located at 1733 S. Coast Highway in South Oceanside. For more information, visit theplotgardenproject.com.
Originally published on January 20, 2026.
