Today we’d like to introduce you to John And Elise Russ.
Hi John and Elise, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
We met about 15 years ago while working at a small inn in Maryland—John was the executive sous chef, and I was the pastry chef. At first, we couldn’t stand each other, but over time we started dating and quickly discovered we shared the same dream: to one day own a restaurant together.
That dream has evolved a lot from our original vision, but the core has always stayed the same. Eventually, we reached a point where we had to decide—continue working for others or take the leap and create something of our own. When we found a small former restaurant space in Castle Hills, it felt like the right opportunity. We didn’t have to start completely from scratch, which meant we could focus our energy on building a business rooted in the community while also supporting our family.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s never a smooth road when it comes to owning your own business, especially a restaurant. We faced the usual challenges at the start—securing funding, opening a new concept, and learning how to work together as husband and wife (and parents!). Then in 2020, everything changed. We had only been open two years when the pandemic hit, and overnight we had to completely transform our restaurant from dine-in to to-go only—twice. That period tested us in every way.
Even now, the challenges haven’t gone away. Rising costs, labor shortages, and product availability are daily hurdles we continue to navigate. But each obstacle has also pushed us to adapt, grow stronger, and stay focused on the heart of why we started this in the first place.
As you know, we’re big fans of Clementine. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Clementine is a family-owned neighborhood restaurant built on the idea of serving seasonal, creative food in a casual setting with genuine, welcoming service. We specialize in consistency—delivering an experience our guests can trust—while also encouraging them to explore new flavors and ingredients.
When we opened Clementine, our goal was to bring the feel of a true neighborhood restaurant to San Antonio, where people could gather often and always feel at home. What sets us apart is our tenacious creativity and adaptability; we’re constantly pushing ourselves to evolve while staying true to who we are.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the way Clementine has become part of the community—welcoming regulars, new guests, and families who celebrate milestones with us. At the heart of it all, our mission is simple: to create experiences that are unique, meaningful, honest, and always delicious.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
We definitely haven’t done this alone. There are so many people who have helped bring our dream to life. Our staff has been at the heart of making our vision a reality every single day, and we couldn’t do it without their dedication and talent. Our families have been our biggest believers—even when no one else was—and continue to support us in balancing both our personal and professional lives. And our friends provide the outlet and encouragement we need to stay grounded and sane through it all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.clementine-sa.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clementine.sanantonio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clementine.sanantonio
