Today we’d like to introduce you to Roger Browning.
Hi Roger, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen has recently turned 11. We started our little spot on a shoestring budget that would be impossible today. Aaron, my wife, myself, and Roddy, were both in the restaurant industry for many years before deciding to start our own project. Between the two of us having cooking, serving, managing, dishwashing, and bussing to Sommelier, it was time to try it out. We moved to Oceanside to buy our first home. This was at a time when housing was a bit different than today’s prices. We’d always have dinner parties and do food and wine pairings for friends and family. We both just love this business so much it made sense to try. I happen to come across a little space that had a for sale sign in the front window. It was a small grocery store with a kitchen in the back. Turns out it also had two restrooms and the necessary plumbing to be a full-on restaurant. Then there’s that little problem of money… We didn’t have a ton in savings, but some. We reached out to investors with no luck and then came the good ole family. We were able to raise enough to get the small construction needed to start. Along the way, there were hick-ups for sure but we eventually opened on march 30 2011. Fast forward to now, we’ve learned a lot along the way, lost our second location during covid in Vista, and moved the original “Pig” to a new location at 509 Mission Ave Oceanside that we can now call home forever as we were able to buy our building. We also opened a second “little sister” version called Bantams Roost Public House in Bressie Ranch Carlsbad. Things have had it’s ups and downs but we are still here!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Bumpy road to say the least! I think the old challenges compared to the new seem like a cakewalk with COVID and the craziness that has come with it. I remember back when things like Yelp came on the scene. That was both exciting and devastating. I always say Yelp can make your day or ruin your week. The biggest challenges early on were our location. People thought we were nuts for the location as it was tucked behind some buildings next to a car repair shop. We obviously overcame that hurdle. Today’s challenges are quite a bit longer and aren’t going away anytime soon it seems. Today’s list includes supply shortages and skyrocketing prices, lack of employees, safety concerns from Covid, and overall inflated costs.
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, Roddy, started bussing and washing dishes at the age of 15. I then started prep cooking, then line cook, then waiter, then manager, then Sommelier, then wine specialist as a sales rep, back to waiter and so far restaurant owner. My superpower is the gift of gab. Most of my experience has been in the wine industry. I’ve been a Sommelier for over 23 years. I love to cook and eat.
Aaron started out also bussing tables at the age of 15, then server, then teacher, then bartender, and now owner. She also has been a Sommelier for over 15 years. She is our Instagram/Facebook guru, AKA Goddess/Best Damn Mom/Wife Ever! She loves to cook and eat as well.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I, Roddy, was surrounded by uber-talented people my whole career. My biggest influences were people like Regan Jasper, Dale Sparks, Douglas Cox, Chef Carl Schroeder, Brian Donagan, Chef Mario Moser, and Aaron Browning. These are the people that molded me into what I am today.
Aaron had her mentors Micheal & Ally Stebner to influence her and her ideas of what a restaurant was all about. Her biggest cheerleaders besides family and friends have always been our guests. From the moment we began this journey they have supported and pushed and rallied around all things Brownings and the Pig.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.flyingpig.PUB
- Instagram: @flyingpigpubkitchen
- Facebook: Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen
