Apr 30, 2026
Christiane Camou and her mother, Jenny Poncetta—two generations connected by Basque tradition and the enduring legacy of Wool Growers. Photo by Heather Hafen Photography
Life has a way of coming full circle for Christiane Camou. She is best known as the owner of Wool Growers, a family-owned and operated Basque restaurant that has operated since 1954 with the recipes of its founder, Christiane’s grandmother, Mayie Maitia. That rich history is a wonderful backdrop to Christiane’s own presence as a Kern County businesswoman, volunteer, wife and mother.
“My husband and I are both 100% Basque. We’re very proud of our culture and our Catholic faith,” said Christiane.
Christiane and Patrick, who also own a construction company, are the parents of Gabriella, 21, Sophia, 19, and Amelia, 16. After meeting at an annual Basque picnic, a time-honored tradition held over Memorial Day weekend, the couple later began dating, married and moved to Riverside before returning to raise their children near family.
”We had just had our second daughter, two kids in two years, when my uncle was diagnosed with a brain tumor,” said Christiane. “I agreed to work at the restaurant at night so my grandmother and my Mom could have some time in the evenings with him.”
Christiane discovered the importance of flexibility within the role and the distinct joy of working with family.
Camou Family in France
Photo credit: Courtesy of Camou Family
Mayie Maitia immigrated as a nanny for a Basque family at age 17 in 1947, the same year Garces Memorial High School opened. Christiane said her grandmother recalled asking if she would be able to attend, to which she was told that she had been hired to go to work, not to school. Mayie decided that if she could send her future children to school at Garces, she would. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are now among its graduates. In fact, granddaughter Sophia Camou is the first Garces student to become a California state FFA officer, an honor opening its own world of opportunities.
That persevering spirit characterized Mayie’s life, which included working at the Noriega Hotel, a boarding house for new immigrants.
“Within seven years of immigrating, she learned English, got married, learned to cook and opened a restaurant; at the time Wool Growers opened, she was the mother of a 2-year-old and a 2-week-old,” said Christiane. “She worked day and night and kept sponsoring people to come over. She gave citizenship classes and took people to the doctor and the DMV. To have done all that in the ‘50s is amazing. She was so very proud of being a successful woman and that we are all women, her daughter [Jenny Poncetta] and me and my daughters.”
Mayie Maitia was active in the community until her death in 2021. Jenny and Christiane have continued her legacy.
“The food and the service have to be spot on, the focal point. It’s a little more rustic and old school but I don't want to change it too much because she had high standards here, and we have to keep it up because she's looking down at us from heaven,” said Christiane.
Christiane’s family taught her to do what she loves. Having studied animal science, she describes herself as a goat guru around town, with pygmy goats as a side business.
Tending to her livestock, working with FFA and 4-H are also important parts of her life, even though she’s now less available due to business commitments.
These days, Christiane finds herself stepping into all aspects of restaurant ownership. Even so, she continues to volunteer with Kern County Basque Club and Garces FFA as president of the St. Isidore Booster Club.
Through it all, Basque culture, dedication and family characterize Christiane’s life and work, with the kind of authenticity that is uniquely hers.
Amelia showing her goat at the Kern
County Fair with Christiane listening to
the judges’ comments.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Camou Family
Q. Why is participation in 4-H and FFA important for youth?
A. I can’t say enough good things about 4-H and FFA. They give kids a lot of skills in a short amount of time. I love teaching youth how to care for a live animal. Watching them bloom and grow from the experience is so rewarding. They’re out there day in and day out, morning and night, in the heat of the summer, learning life lessons.
Q. What should families in the Kern County area know more about in their community?
A. All are welcome within local Basque culture. You don’t have to be Basque to enjoy the food and the people. Some people are afraid of our uniqueness or of trying something new, but we are so lucky to have multiple Basque restaurants in town.
Q. What is your parenting PSA?
A. Share your time, treasures, and talents with your children.
Fill-in-the-blank questions:
- One cooking tip is… Everything tastes better with garlic.
- My favorite hobby is… Fishing in the Sierras.
- So far, my best life advice is... Marry your best friend
