Wander/Gather: The Backyard Series

Safely Creating Communal Moments

Words by Jessi Devenyns photos by Shelby Bella

Establishing and nurturing a business that thrives in Austin is not a feat for the faint of heart. Yet, there is nothing that could have prepared Jessica Alonso, founder of Wander/Gather, for the storm that rolled in this spring and utterly redefined the hospitality industry.

In February, Wander/Gather (aka W/G) had been in existence for about 18 months when Jessica began a seismic shift to her business model in hopes of scaling while still delivering thoughtfully curated events for both sponsors and patrons to enjoy. After tickets sold out quickly to her inaugural event that implemented her new model, news began to circulate that the pandemic was going to be more than just a hiccup. In response, Jessica postponed her event — indefinitely. Several weeks later, she found herself having to make the unenviable decision of whether or not to lay off her staff to keep her business afloat.

“So after that, I took two weeks off,” she shares. Following her momentary retreat to reflect and regroup, W/G returned to deliver good food and good times to Austinites. This time, though, it came in the form of a home-delivered box. Two days after Jessica released the novel concept onto social media, she sold out. “I was like, ‘Okay, we have this business. And we can carry on,’” she remembers thinking. But the fluidity of the pandemic and its ripple effects had just begun.

Following the launch of her W/G in a Box, Austin opened its doors just to shut them again. “Like that,” she says, snapping her fingers. “There was no consistency; it was crazy. So again, I took two weeks to learn that it was the value that we are bringing. And that [value] is what people are liking.” Fast-forward two weeks and Austin was introduced to the new face of W/G, The Backyard Series.

According to Jessica, the idea responded to her need for consistency to being a viable option both under stringent gathering restrictions and also when the world returns to a state similar to which it left earlier in the year. Most importantly, the flexible concept allows for her to provide jobs to those who are otherwise unable to work in traditional centers of hospitality.
Despite the behind-the-scenes maneuvering that required her to arrive at this socially-distanced, yet genius, concept, the result is a seamless interaction for those looking to plan a hiatus from the recurring scenery of their homes. With the click of a button, individuals can warmly greet their closest friends over a Mexican-inspired dinner. Alternatively, they can take a moment to enjoy the scents and tastes of the East Coast, lounge in front of a private concert, or indulge in a riotous brunch. Each experience comes with a themed-set, yet customizable, menu and arrives in one’s backyard on the appointed day. Best of all, there is no planning required.

Without the need to remember to dash off for last minute napkins or bags of ice, Jessica is able to help Austinites rekindle a sense of carefree enjoyment that many have lost over the last few months. Of course, she insists that safety precautions are taken both by her event staff and by those who attend each of the gatherings in order to ensure that the memory of a “night out” remains a beacon of happiness to buoy spirits for days after.

Completely Custom
If a set menu is not the dream, W/G also offers end-to-end private event planning where every detail from lighting to virtual coordination is attended to with Jessica’s exceptional eye for detail.

Contact:
wander-gather.com
2403 E. 16th Street
letstalk@wander-gather.com
@wander.gather