Downtown Depot: Paxton Dove
In this segment: interview with Paxton Dove, and a What's Happening Here? segment on the Riverfront Development with information from City Councilman Dillon Meek (26:55).
Photo by Austin Meek/Waco Business News
"The cool thing about pub culture is it's focused around conversation rather than alcohol. It's more of a meeting hall--if you're drinking alone, someone will definitely come over and ask what's going on."
"When we first opened in 2007, there were about 5 breweries in Texas, and in nine years it's grown exponentially."
"We're really lucky to have great customers and regulars."
"The thing I'd say I'm most proud of about Dancing Bear is the longevity of it. The energy hasn't changed since we've opened. You walk in and it still feels like home to people who came in ten years ago."
Upcoming events: Every Thursday is a glass giveaway, every Tuesday is Trivia Night--come see Pokey O's out back!, a Roshambo Competition on November 9, and the 12 Days of Craftsmas (the twelve days leading up to Christmas Eve).
Mentioned in this episode: Dancing Bear Pub, First Friday Waco, 1 Million Cups Waco, Interior Glow, Talexis Talent Solutions, Balcones Distillery, Bare Arms Brewing, Crazy Horse Grill, Cricket's, Waco Farmer's Market, Anthem Studios, Food for Thought, and Catalyst Urban Development.
Born in Waco, Paxton Dove made his way back to Waco after a 27-year stint in Longview, Texas. He has experience in the food industry as a beer and dairy buyer for Whole Foods and managing his brother-in-law and sister's shop Food for Thought. Buying his property from Chip Gaines of Fixer Upper fame, Dove opened up Dancing Bear Pub in 2006 after finding a love for craft beer when studying abroad with Baylor. He is also the founder of the Texas Tavern League.