Since becoming a co-owner of Y Knot Country Store & Eatery in 2019, Johanna E. Schultz has been instrumental in shaping the restaurant’s reputation. She draws on more than three decades of professional experience in the service industry. Ms. Schultz’s expertise in global business management has been a driving force behind the continued growth and resilience of the business. Even during challenging periods, such as the quieter winter months typical of the region’s tourist-driven economy, she has helped keep the location running efficiently.
In her capacity as a dedicated co-owner of Y Knot, Ms. Schultz is deeply involved in every aspect of operations, from ordering and preparing food to providing attentive customer service. Alongside her husband, Brian Hargrave, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that their establishment stands out for its memorable dining experiences. Her commitment is reflected in the restaurant’s exceptional 4.9 Google rating, making it the highest-rated restaurant in the area.
Prior to opening Y Knot, Ms. Schultz gained extensive experience in restaurant work, management and bartending. This background provided a strong foundation for her entrepreneurial journey. Ms. Schultz’s decision to purchase the business was serendipitous; after spotting a “For Sale by Owner” sign outside a small country store, she and her husband seized the opportunity to create something special in a location they both cherished.
Ms. Schultz’s educational background includes coursework at the collegiate level. Her academic pursuits have complemented her practical experience, equipping her with valuable skills that have contributed to her success as a business owner. Ms. Schultz credits much of her achievements to her years in the service industry, her passion for food and travel, and her commitment to using fresh ingredients. She sources ingredients from local Mennonite farms and regional greenhouses, guaranteeing they are of the highest quality and supporting area farmers throughout the year.
Community involvement is central to Ms. Schultz’s philosophy as a business owner. Through Y Knot, she sponsors local sports teams and actively assists other community businesses, fostering strong relationships that benefit both her enterprise and the broader region.
Ms. Schultz has received widespread recognition for her efforts, including numerous accolades for Y Knot Country Store & Eatery. The restaurant was named the winner of Finger Lakes’ Finest Best Wings and Best Sandwiches — a testament to the quality of its menu. Ms. Schultz takes great pride in seeing patrons return repeatedly, considering Y Knot’s ongoing success and growth as the highlight of her career.
In addition to running her business, Ms. Schultz enjoys swimming, boating, reading, writing, bowling, golfing and travel. Earlier in her life, she spent a full year living on a sailboat traveling from San Diego to Costa Rico, before she ended up managing a treehouse hostel in Nicaragua. This period profoundly shaped her perspective on what matters in life.
Looking ahead, Ms. Schultz is focused on enhancing her business further by expanding seating capacity with an all-season outdoor deck, increasing storage with a walk-in cooler and exploring opportunities to add tiny houses to their scenic property overlooking Keuka Lake, New York. She is also working on a book reflecting her diverse experience and a journey exemplified by resilience, adaptability and an unwavering dedication to quality.