Meet Our New Manager -
Ariel Jensen
“I love working at Magpie because of the people. Our coworkers and clientele have become a second family to me.”
A familiar face is comforting especially when the person behind it is sincere, friendly, and joyful. Magpie has been ever so lucky through our years to have built a community of pretty amazing people. Ariel has been with us for many of those years connecting through special and everyday meals sharing laughs and challenging conversations alike. We couldn’t be more excited that she has agreed to oversee the restaurant.
Ariel has worked in the food and beverage industry since she was a teenager, “I can truly say I’ve been a party of the Farm to Fork movement since well before it had a name.” She spent four of those early years at the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op learning how small teams of dedicated people can shape our local food culture and accessiliity within the city. She joined Magpie over 15 years ago on R Street in the old factory building. “Those were the days of savory scones, trout sandwiches, pork five ways, and platinum blonde hair. IYKYK. There was a community forming around the restaurant; not a specific demographic of people necessarily. It was more that we connected over shared values and goals. That was what first attracted me to Magpie, and why I’m still here.”
She stepped up managing Magpie’s bar program three years ago into one that showcases the bounty of ingredients that are grown and produced in our area. In 2026, she was a Slow Food USA scholar attending Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans. “It’s important to me that our drink menu reflects the same values and standards shown in our cuisine. Building on longstanding relationships with Magpie’s purveyors, I’m able to source really incredible ingredients for the program. It will only get better from here as we expand on house-made ingredients, many of which take 6 months or longer to mature. You might spot these concoctions patiently aging on the back bar - Delta Jujubee Liquor, Vacaville Green Walnut Nocino or Fruitstone Brandy. Just ask and I’ll pour you a taste!”
“If we’ve had the opportunity to visit then you might already know that I’m an avid cyclist, seamstress and world traveler. I spend the early mornings at flea markets and estate sales and will take any opportunity to disappear into California’s coastline in search of adventure! Come in and say hi. Let’s talk food, travel and cocktails. I’ll see you in the dining room!”