Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Anderson. Them and their team share their story with us below:
The road to Anderson Distillery and Grill started years ago as a friendship between two dads and their love of cooking for friends and family. Andrew and Jay each had sons in the same Boy Scout Troop, and the two guys often cooked food for fellow parents during campouts. After sampling Andrew’s old cowboy recipe for coffee-infused spice rub, Jay knew the product had potential for retail success. A few weekends, different variations – and a number of margaritas later – Andrew and Jay eventually perfected the spice blend and Joe Rub was born.
With surprising success at farmers’ markets, Joe Rub continued to grow slowly – and Andrew and Jay even discussed starting a food truck or opening a Roanoke restaurant, but the concept never felt complete until one of Jay’s friends gave him a small pot still. After months of research, experimentation, and distillery classes, Andrew and Jay realized the possibility of combining their passions for cooking, distilling, eating, and drinking into one Roanoke distillery and grill. The unique blend of ideas – just like Andrew and Jay’s one-of-a-kind spice mix and spirit blends – are perfectly suited for Roanoke, “The Unique Dining Capital of Texas.”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest challenges we’ve experiences so far are opening during a pandemic, getting supplies, and hiring staff.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Anderson Distillery & Grill is a micro craft distillery and restaurant in Roanoke, the Unique Dining Capital of Texas. With a focus on small-batch spirits utilizing many Texas-sourced products, Anderson Distillery specializes in rum, vodka, gin, white dog, liqueurs and will later produce aged whiskey bourbon. Combined with house-made infused mixes, the drink menu currently features 19 concoctions, including the Pink Elephant, Cucumber Gimlet, Lazy Longhorn, Bikini Martini, Frisky Whiskey, and more.
The dining menu consists of a variety of sliders, entrees such as chicken fried steak and pan-fried salmon, specialty fries, appetizers, and other sides, as well as the World’s Ugliest Breakfast, an egg-based skillet creation – served all day long. Staff favorites include the Akauishi Beef Burger with HeartBrand® Akaushi beef; Biddy on a Bun with garlic chicken; truffle fries and deluxe mac and cheese. Anderson Distillery & Grill also serves shakes and coffees, with optional liqueur add-ins for both.
With an industrial garage bar atmosphere, Anderson Distillery showcases impressive 125-gallon and 26-gallon column stills with other distillery equipment behind its glassed-in distillery room; whiskey barrels and barrel stave details throughout; hand-painted panels above the bar depicting the distillation process; a hand-painted mural highlighting area attractions; hand-made dining table tops using wood sourced from demolition projects in Texas from homes built in the 1930s; hammered copper light fixtures; Edison bulb pendants; black pipe shelving; and stained concrete floors.
Co-founders Jay Anderson and Andrew Frank share a love of cooking, eating, distilling and drinking. Anderson Distillery & Grill is a dream come true for “two old farts” who embarked on a journey to open a restaurant with meals and drinks to keep people coming back.
“We are excited to turn our passion for craft distilling and cooking specially seasoned meats into a reality in Anderson Distillery and Grill. We hope to give our guests an inside look at the unique distilling process, offer exciting liquor tasting opportunities, delicious menu items, and a casual and cool environment,” stated Anderson.
Alright, so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Visit us in Roanoke, Texas for breakfast (Sat & Sun), lunch, or dinner (7 nights). Join a distillery tour the third Saturday of each month.
Attend our weekly trivia night (Thu) or other events.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.andersondistillery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andersondistillery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Anderson-Distillery-and-Grill-101048522103042
Image Credits
Nancy Farrar
