our team
JULIA LESNIAK
GENERAL MANAGER
Mixing up magic behind the bar, on the floor, and behind the camera, Julia blends hospitality leadership and storytelling together to inspire others in the food and beverage industry.
Originally from Arizona, she credits her love of restaurants starting after working at a small, intimate pizzeria in Flagstaff. It was there she began to develop her hospitality and leadership skills. She went on to hold leadership roles at places throughout state, including Hops on Birch, Penca Restaurante, and Miraval Resort and Spa.
Julia feels most at home in bars and restaurants because of the camaraderie - being behind the bar and in the weeds with others creates a truly indescribable bond. She leads with empathy, accountability, and a sprinkle of sass. When she’s not at TM, she’s a photographer, certified yoga instructor, and connoisseur of Nora Ephron movies.
LAUREN GAY
WINE DIRECTOR
Lauren is a wine nerd with an irreverent and un-intimidating approach to learning about, drinking, and selling booze.
After returning to the U.S. from her service in the United States Peace Corps, she honed her skills in the Los Angeles wine industry, working at Nancy Silverton’s Chi Spacca under the wine direction of Joe Bastianich. She has since worked with and managed award-winning wine programs in Las Vegas, San Francisco, and several cities in her home state of Ohio. Most recently, she got her hands dirty making wine in Napa for the 2020 harvest.
She speaks decent Swahili, bad Spanish, and perfect midwest English. Ope.
TYLER HAMPTON
BEVERAGE DIRECTOR
You know, you love him - Tyler is a Tender Mercy OG. Starting out as a bartender and moving quickly into bar manager, he has been a crucial part of TM since opening. He originally developed his hospitality ethos at local country clubs and Dayton staples like the Pine Club as a bartender and bar manager. After developing his palate as a wine rep and passing his Certified Specialist of Wine, he joined the Tender Mercy family. In the summer of 2023, he accepted the position as Beverage Director for both Tender Mercy and Sueño.
When he’s not working, he loves spending time with his kiddos, watching anime, wearing hats backwards, and won’t ever say no to a well-crafted Negroni.
JASON ARCHER
BAR MANAGER
Born and raised in Dayton, Jason developed his philosophy of hospitality in Chicago. (And, yes, a fondness for Malört.)
Working in specialty coffee and then at Ward Eight cocktail bar, he learned that there’s alchemy behind the application of quality, craft, appreciation, and kindness. He’s been with Tender Mercy since day one, and is excited about the new directions and opportunities for community and cocktails in Dayton.
During daylight hours, he enjoys reading 19th-century literature, growing his own herbs and vegetables, and spending time with his amazing wife and wonderful daughter.
The Idea Collective
OWNERSHIP
Ginger Roddick, David Kittredge and Chris Dimmick