Today we’d like to introduce you to Andy Thompson.
Hi Andy, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My wife Dana and I met here in Dallas back in 1993 and married later that year. (She’s originally from here, and I moved to Plano from Minneapolis when I was in high school.). In 2000, we moved to rural Virginia where we owned a quaint grocery store and a few restaurants. We came back to Dallas in 2016 and began searching for the location to settle into for a new restaurant concept. We found White Rock Shopping Center at North Buckner and Northcliff and opened District 9 Draught Haus in November of 2018.
Alright, 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?
Year two was Covid 19. The struggles were constant, and we had to adapt to changing situations constantly. We’re still facing challenges with supply chain issues and lack of manpower. For example: Our menu is German, so when we’re “out of stocked” from our suppliers on specialty products, we’re running around the metroplex outsourcing.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I started out in music, forming a band in high school. We bought a van and started touring clubs throughout the states. There was a record deal, studios, and more touring. It was an education of a different kind.
My interest in food was always in the background, formed from my days watching PBS cooking shows as a youth. Without any formal training, I jumped into the restaurant world and have tried to do simple bar food with a focus on quality.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Books from Jacques Pepin. My culinary education came from watching JP on PBS. His mastery and knowledge were and continue to be a huge inspiration.
Contact Info:
- Website: district9dh.com
