Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn Howell.
Shawn, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Nearly 20 years ago, I applied to beertend at the Flying Saucer in Arlington as an avid beer drinker always looking to expand my horizons. Little did I know that would lead to a career in Craft Beer in DFW. I’m sure I could be doing other things but I was drawn to the culture and the good people, never looked back.
I spent over a decade with the Flying Saucer franchise and then took on the challenge of transitioning a long-time Fort Worth staple, the Pour House, into a Craft Beer taproom and was there for roughly four years. After that, I spent a year with the Collective Brewing Project but the groundwork for Southside Cellar was already underway. I love what all other Growler Shops are doing and the service they provide, the only distinction with our shop is the separation of the bottle shop and the lounge we provide with our Growler Shop. Instead of the traditional picnic tables you’re accustomed to seeing in a brewpub or beer bar, we wanted to create multiple small living room arrangements, perfect for a more intimate setting to hang with friends for an extended stay. My staff and I built this shop on the simple premise of our mantra, Beer. Wine. Happiness.
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?
No small business startup is a smooth ride but it’s a matter of perspective. I’d rather work long, hard hours building something on my own than a more comfortable, well-paying desk job working for someone else. Just that simple. That said, I registered as the General Contractor on this project and took the reigns to build it myself… with plenty of help of course. That allowed us to truly bring our vision to life.
Southside Cellar – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
After years in the local Craft Beer industry, we heard your cries and put together the beer joint that Fort Worth demanded. Southside Cellar is a unique retail Craft Beer & Wine shop with a sprawling, dedicated Package Store, as well as a separate Growler Shop filled with comfortable living room arrangements, perfect for a quick stop in to grab your goods or a prolonged stay for a proper pour. Either way, we’ve got your Craft Beer & Wine needs covered. Beer. Wine. Happiness.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Putting together a staff with a collective 40+ years in the local Craft Beer market. We absolutely love the team we’ve gathered on this project.
Contact Info:
- Address: 125 South Main St
Fort Worth, TX 76104 - Phone: 682-703-2184
- Email: shawn@southsidebeercellar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southsidecellar/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southsidecellar/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/southsidecellar
Image Credit:
The pic of me was provided by my dawg, Joe Moron III
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