This week we are talking with Sean Drought, owner of Tapped Mukilteo, about how he got started, what he loves to cook and more.
DM: How did you get started in the restaurant business?
SD: I started bussing tables and washing dishes at a local country club in Youngstown, Ohio.
DM: Who inspired you to take this path?
SD: My three older brothers were all in the industry.
DM: What is your favorite food to make?
SD: Breakfast for my kids believe it or not.
DM: What is your favorite food to eat?
SD: A crab feast is about as good as it gets.
DM: What inspires your ideas for recipes?
SD: The seasonality and abundance of great ingredients in the PNW. There are some great online sites and print out there as well. Most great recipes and dishes are simply a different take on something delicious you have had your self. Sometimes it is even as simple as something a friend makes for a dinner party. You find those combinations of ingredients and flavors that inspires us to work on a new item.
DM: If you could have dinner with someone (alive or dead, real or fictional), who would it be and why?
SD: Jesus Christ- I have a lot of questions for that dude!
DM: Is there an achievement or contribution that you are most proud of and why?
SD: Other than raising three awesome kids opening our own business is at the top of the list. Being able to build a team and design and grow a small organization that offers something special in the community is awesome.
DM: What surprises you the most about owning your own business?
SD: How much people in the community truly value having a solid spot to connect, and gather, with friends. Also to support for friends over these past few years at every step in the process.
DM: What was the biggest challenge you face as a restauranteur?
SD: The biggest challenge is also the most important thing for us. It is hiring and retaining top talent. Great people are not easy to find and we need to be an employer of choice in the community.
DM: Is there anything else you would like to share with me?
SD: Ideas are easy. Execution is hard.
DM: Is there any question I should have asked you but did not?
SD: Do you love winning or hate losing more?
Want to know what’s on tap at Tapped? Visit their website for their menu, online ordering and events calendar.
Want to see a local business owner profiled?
We will be featuring local business owners and employees within the Mukilteo city limits. Please contact us if you want us to profile you, your business or employee.
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