RBF, Your Authentic Champagne Bar

My name is Tiffany Welton, and at most times, I am sporting my signature RBF. That's right. A resting bitch face. You can read the whole story on my why behind naming my wine bar RBF at https://showmeyourrbf.com/the-story-behind-rbf. I live for authenticity. I long for connection. I thrive in being a safe place to land for those around me. In the deepest part of my soul, I know I need to make a community that allows people to be seen, heard, and validated. And it's never OK to tell us to smile.

In addition to this, I have a burning passion for a few things: my dogs, the ocean, traveling internationally, a solid outdoor patio with a glass of champagne in hand, combating diet culture, the TLC show "90 Day Fiancé," devouring truffle popcorn while watching said trashy show, squashing the patriarchy, and freaking wine bars. I love a good wine bar.

So how did I get here? Well, I lived in Scottsdale, Arizona for many years, and I watched the city become a mecca for restaurants, perfect patios and setting the bar high for us winos and foodies. I see you, Chelsea’s Kitchen, Postino, and Sel. My heart still aches for you.

In my 11 years there, I experienced many stages of my adulthood. I was single, navigated challenging relationships, started and finished graduate school, but most importantly, I made incredible friendships with the most caring, funny, and successful women. Through all these different versions of myself, one thing remained consistent. My need of solitude from studying competitive market analysis to telling my girlfriends about a date I went on (where the man forgot to mention he was married) to celebrating new jobs and promotions or simply having a glass of wine alone with my trusty dog at my side, I longed for an authentic and safe place. I wanted comfort in my environment to talk, cry, laugh, and celebrate who we are and what we are trying to become. I wanted to feel a connection, even if I was there by myself.

We live in a world that is currently full of division, extreme opinions, endless scrolling, and everything feeling as if it has a filter, and I hate it. I crave all things that are real, in my friendships, partners, family, bosses, and in the little spare time we all have.

During the recession in 2009, I spent the year working at a wine bar. I loved the energy, but a part of me hated the service industry. It is also full of extremes. It fuels this divide.

The customer is always right!!

It is a privilege to be at our restaurant, so we will treat you like the dumpster fire we view you as. The wait will be 2 hours, peasant.

Fake it ‘til you make it!

No, your precious dog is not allowed on our patio.

I don’t care how you feel; put on a smile and apologize profusely for making any tiny human error.

The customer owns you.

We’re the hot new bar, and we will make you feel unworthy. We don’t need you.

I hate the discrepancy. It doesn’t feel good to me. Why don't we change the language and encourage connection, understanding, and appreciation of the entire human experience? I like that plan better.

At RBF, our team is our family. Our guests are our community. It takes a freaking village to survive and thrive, and that is what we will be doing. I don’t want my family to fake it, just as I don’t want our guests to walk in and mask their pain. Let’s take on this shit together.

To stay aligned with my mission, I will be using a "no-tipping model," and our family will get a salary rather than relying on tips. I want my staff to know our community and vice versa. I don't want my employees to feel stressed if guests take their time discussing their lives and are truly being present. The RBF core values will exist in all parts of this business and all future endeavors to come.

My goal is simply this: give women and all sexual identities an authentic and safe environment where our community celebrates their successes with us, our team genuinely checks in with our regular guest that has a scary doctor’s appointment approaching, and we cry together as we all navigate hardships, emotions, and life changes. I want this all with inclusivity and zero tolerance for hate and judgment.

But let’s be honest. I want this community to enjoy my favorite things: a perfect glass of champagne in a chilled flute paired with warm truffle popcorn, 90's jams, and a beautiful and intimate patio for those conversations that make your world more open and honest. And don't forget to bring your well-behaved pup!

Are you ready to be a part of the connection? My heart is open, my hand extended with a glass of bubbles, and my dog, Phoebe, is ready to greet you with more love than you are prepared for.

Thank you for your contribution to this women-owned small business!