Gjelina Group creates hospitality experiences delivered from a place of purpose, with simplicity.

Named for founder Fran Camaj’s mother, Gjelina opened on Abbot Kinney Boulevard in 2008, serving locally-sourced, produce-forward food and becoming a staple in the Venice community.

Since then, our businesses have evolved with our neighborhood — with our menus guided by conversations and long-standing relationships with Southern California farmers, local ranchers, fishermen, and co-ops.

We now own and operate our restaurant Gjelina, Gjusta Bakery (our deli-bakery-cafe), Gjelina Take Away (our Venice take away spot), Gjusta Goods (our retail store), Gjusta Grocer (our market and grocery), Gjusta Flower Shop, and Gjusta Apartment. Alongside we operate our nonprofit Gjelina Foundation and Gjusta Studios, our evolving spaces for interdisciplinary creative residencies.

In 2022 we opened our first East Coast location with an outpost of Gjelina NY at 45 Bond Street in Noho. Our future ventures include a Venice hotel and a new location for Valle, our Oaxacan restaurant.

Our Culture

Our culture is led by the people and is shaped by our actions.

We are rooted in cultivating an environment of support, mentorship, and respect. By prioritizing diversity, inclusivity and education, we can create a place where there is a desire to work and learn together creating a more equitable and joyful day-to-day for each other and our guests.

Our Core Values

Consistency Builds Trust

We aim to make good decisions each day and strive for 100% transparency to lead our business and support our team. We invest in training to develop skills, thus maintaining high standards.

Respect Sets The Standard

We cultivate a space where all people can participate and are respected. We hold each other up and hold each other accountable to a standard that is kind, generous, and respectful.

People Come First

We believe open communication and a sense of connection builds relationships where individuals feel satisfied, engaged and passion-ate about what they do each day. That positivity shapes our collective culture.

Rooted In Sourcing

Our sourcing practice guides our decision making where quality and integrity come first and there is accountability at every step in the process. It lays the groundwork for creating our hospitality experiences.