Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Gillum.
Andrea, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My husband, Mike, introduced me to the world of beer when we first met 16 years ago. Our tastes evolved over time, similar to other craft beer enthusiasts’ stories, and eventually led to him brewing his own beer as a hobby. Fast forward to 2015 when I went on a business trip up to the great craft beer land of Portland, OR. This is where I first learned of the growler station business concept and thought it would be a great idea to start one ourselves at home in North Texas where the craft beer scene has been growing rampantly in recent years. I had always wanted to own my business. This was the perfect concept for us; and we were at the optimal place in our lives to start it…from scratch!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I do not believe any entrepreneur would honestly say that starting a new business would be without struggles. It’s expected as part of the journey. We have to understand that success is based on how we face these adversities. That being said, I feel we have been fortunate to find such a great opportunity, in a great industry, and within a great community. The struggles we have been through are not unusual to small businesses. We initially had challenges in finding a location where we could legally set up shop. We dealt with finding enough funding, getting the right employees, and even facing opposition from our closest area competitor. At the end of the day, it is all part of being a small business owner.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Thirsty Growler – what should we know?
The Thirsty Growler is a growler station and taproom, serving 50 rotating taps of craft beer, cider, kombucha, root beer, and coffee. Various local wines are also part of our menu. Customers can enjoy their beverages on-site as well as fill up their growlers to go. A growler is merely a vessel in which to transport the beer. It can be made of glass, metal, or plastic. Since we do not offer food service, our prices are extremely competitive, especially with our weekly specials.
We focus solely on the craft beverages and love introducing people to new styles and flavors of craft beer. There is such a wide variety of people that come into our place, ranging from newbies to experts. What’s best of all is when we can show people who have never tried craft beer how excellent and delicious craft beer is compared to the mass-produced versions out on the market. Beyond the actual product itself is the fact that craft beer brings people together. Customers are welcome to bring in their own food or have it delivered. We offer free Wi-Fi and plenty of outlets in the seating space.
Family and friends come here to sit back and relax, play some games, and enjoy their time together. What makes us truly proud is that The Thirsty Growler has even become a “third home” to many – beyond their own home and workplace.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Great people and great beer are the two most important factors for our success. Our servers provide the best service around and are very knowledgeable and welcoming. I am also humbled by all the wonderful customers that have come into our place. It’s amazing to see how the uniqueness of craft beer can bring strangers together.
First discussing opinions on tastes and then leading to topics on memories of various beer adventures. Customer relationships are truly integral for success. And it’s the great beer that brings us together! We are pro-independent and local breweries, but most of all, it better be good beer or it’s not going on our tap wall.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5733 State Highway 121
Suite 230, The Colony, TX 75056 - Website: www.thethirstygrowler.com
- Phone: 214-618-5324
- Email: thebigcheese@thethirstygrowler.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_thirsty_growler/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thethirstygrowler/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThirstyGrowler
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-thirsty-growler-the-colony
Image Credit:
The Thirsty Growler
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