Meet Austin Swint of Draft South Mission

Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Swint.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have been in F&B all of my life. My mom was a DIr. F&B at a Holiday Inn in TX and my first real job was working for her in the coffee shop. After working my way through the ranks, I started my management experience managing night clubs in Phoenix/Scottsdale in the 90’s. I moved to SD in 1998 and began my floor manager experience at the Manchester Grand Hyatt where I worked my way up to the Beverage Manager and then the GM of their fine dining restaurant. I left there to join a local restaurant group called EDS and was the GM of their upscale Mexican concept. I left there and worked for Islands Restaurants for a little over three years. Then the opportunity to rejoin EDS and become the GM of Draft at Belmont Park became available and I jumped on it. I have been here for three years and love it.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Overall, pretty smooth. When I left EDS to stay on with new ownership at the Mexican concept, it was the roughest patch. I didn’t get along with the new ownership and we ended up parting ways. It was a poor decision that put me back a little.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
EDS (Eat, Drink and Sleep) is a great company to work for. I really agree with their hospitality and business culture. At Draft, we specialize in being several different styles of venue in one. We are a beach front restaurant with excellent views, a gastropub, a craft beer house (108 tap handles), and a sports bar (24 TV’s and a giant TV that is 10’X30′). We strive to give Authentic Hospitality to everyone that walks through our door despite our extremely busy atmosphere.

What were you like growing up?
I was a bit of a misfit growing up. I was a jock and took honors classes with good grades, but I was constantly looking for trouble and often found it. Fortunately, the trouble that you find in small-town Texas is pretty minimal.

Contact Info:

• Address: 3105 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109
• Website: draftsd.com
• Phone: 8582289305

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