Eleven-Twenty-Two Speakeasy owner Donovan Schmit, Paso Robles

Matt Cross Tap Takeover Episode

Together with his cousin and business partner, Troy Larkin, Donovan Schmit owns Pappy McGregor’s Gastropub, Fish Gaucho Restaurant, Eleven Twenty-Two Cocktail Lounge & Speakeasy, and the new Cane Tiki Room, all in downtown Paso Robles. Each of these businesses manifested in a special way, whether inspired by pub nights, a trip to Tulum, the aesthetic of Prohibition-era bars — in fact, even the pandemic helped birth one of their concepts. Donovan shared with Matt and me the way one beget the other, and about the lessons he’s learned along the way. I was particularly interested in the Eleven Twenty-Two Speakeasy, which is a place unlike any other on the Central Coast. Listen as Donovan discusses the first business he owned with Troy, and how the next generation is starting to take over.

Pappy McGregor’s / @pappymcgregors

Fish Gaucho / @fishgaucho

Eleven Twenty-Two Speakeasy / @1122.cocktail.lounge

Cane Tiki Room / @canetikiroom