Rita Foth is the service director at Atoma, a contemporary restaurant in Seattle that celebrates diverse and global influences and offers a menu that is a true reflection of the seasons and its surroundings. Learn about Rita Foth…
Hometown: Summit County, Colorado
First job: Aeropostale Outlet Store
Favorite ways to spend your free time in WA: I absolutely love biking and exploring the diverse landscapes all throughout the state. I love plants and trees and cannot get enough of all the microclimates/ecosystems here. I feel so lucky to have access to water, beaches, mountains, forests, etc.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Building and fostering a community of wonderful people around me, both near and far. My life would be nothing without the lessons they’ve taught me and the joy and support they provide me.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: I have been fortunate enough to live a very privileged life but a major injury in high school that ended my rugby career was a big one.
Someone who inspires you and why: My dear friend Camille because she is one of the most joyful and generous people I’ve ever met. She just absolutely radiates positivity and makes everyone feel special and acknowledged. I have much to learn from her.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Restaurant and hospitality jobs teach you so much about how to exist in the world. They teach you how to care for others, how to be kind and patient, how to hustle, how to prioritize and move swiftly, how to work under pressure, the list goes on and on. If you’re interested in this industry, it will benefit you for the rest of your life in all aspects of your life.
Favorite quote: “It is one thing to love yourself and another to know yourself.” I don’t know who said this, but I’ve loved this quote since I first heard it when I was 13 years old.
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I can eat an absolutely insane amount of food. It’s shocking.
What makes someone fabulous: Humility.