BUILDING RUBY: A COUPLES NEXT CHAPTER

Another great local story in my REINVENTION SERIES. For many people, retirement or a career change marks the beginning of something different. But today's guests didn't wait for one chapter to end before beginning the next. Martha Valle has spent her career creating memorable experiences as a bartender with Morale, Welfare and Recreation on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Earlier this year, Tony Valle retired from the U.S. Navy after years of military service and now works as an aircraft structural assembler. Together, they're bringing something new to downtown Oak Harbor—Ruby Lounge + Kitchen. Ruby isn't simply another restaurant or bar. Their vision is a gathering place where craft cocktails, Latin-inspired food, music, dancing, wine tastings, mystery nights, and mixology workshops come together to create memorable experiences. It's the kind of place designed to bring people together, celebrate community, and offer something a little different for Whidbey Island. But every great space begins with a story, and in Ruby's case, that story includes friends, mentors, tradespeople, neighbors, and a community that helped transform an idea into reality. Today we'll talk about building a dream while still balancing careers, creating a place where everyone feels welcome, and why sometimes the most rewarding reinvention is one you build together. Martha and Tony, welcome to Local Whidbey Podcast. FOLLOW RUBY LOUNGE + KITCHEN: WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM Follow LOCAL WHIDBEY WITH MAGSY at @LocalWhidbeyPodcast ... Link: INSTAGRAM and on Facebook. You may also get to know Magsy and subscribe for invites to her supper club, at https://withmagsy.com. PODCAST SPONSORED BY THE OAK HARBOR CREATIVE ARTS FOUNDATION. Click on link to show your support for the Oak Harbor Performing Arts Center.