OUR STORY

Founded in 2016 by father-daughter partners Gil and Korina, Red Light Ramen has become a respected community hub in the Kootenays. Originally hailing from St. Boniface, Winnipeg, Gil relocated to the Kootenays in the mid-1980s, where he embraced the back to the land movement and pursued his fascination with horticulture. His dedication to community engagement led him to co-found El Taco with his daughter Justine, and his passion for ramen ultimately inspired the creation of Red Light Ramen—a restaurant that has since attracted a loyal local clientele and travelers alike. In 2019, Gil was diagnosed with glioblastoma and peacefully passed away at home, surrounded by his family. Following his passing, Korina embraced  leadership with steadfast determination. Collaborating with a team of seasoned professionals, she has upheld the restaurant’s commitment to providing exceptional and honest dining experiences.

Korina is dedicated to offering nourishing food and drink of notable quality at accessible prices while fostering a regenerative and community-centered business model. She prioritizes providing living wages, actively supports the local community through initiatives such as the Nelson CARES Work Inclusion Program, and advocates for the sustainability and success of local farmers and producers. She is aware of the environmental impact of operating a business, and actively strives to minimize Red Light Ramen’s carbon footprint. Some of these include a composting relationship with local farmers and a thorough recycling and organic’s bin program. 

Currently studying Clinical Herbalism, Korina incorporates her passion for well-being into every aspect of Red Light Ramen. Red Light Ramen provides nourishing meals made from premium ingredients, sourcing 95% organic produce during the winter months and working closely with local farmers throughout the growing season in the Kootenays. In addition to running Red Light Ramen, Korina founded and presently operates Backbone Botanicals, an heirloom digestive bitters company that supplies the restaurant’s bar and non-alcoholic beverage program with heirloom digestive bitters. Drawing on her background in bartending and her passion for agriculture and biodynamic natural wines, Korina has collaborated to curate a wine program that showcases some of the finest natural wines available in the province. Korina recognizes the importance of supporting local producers and contributing to food security. 

Red Light Ramen was born from Korina and Gil’s shared vision to fill a culinary gap in Nelson, catering to a community of athletes, artists, farmers, and others seeking a harmonious way of life connected to the natural world  and wholesome sustenance. Combining Joseph’s extensive industry experience with Korina’s drive to create an intimate and unique dining experience, Red Light Ramen has become a staple for our local and international clientele.