We recently connected with Dana Taucher and have shared our conversation below.

Dana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Our Mission- Syndicate, a place of gathering with people of common interest; we flourish through art, music, cuisine and the culture we create within our walls. Our mission is to support small business and local creative of all kinds. Collaborations with local farmers, pop-up style cuisine, artist, all genres of music, food trucks & more. A space for all.

Syndicate is identified by its unique custom logo of a snake held in the hands of a women…
This supports our women owned, family operated style of business.
The snake is a symbol of evil and the hand is now in control of the evil around her.
The snake is held within the hand without any hesitation, this shows the idea of overcoming the evil that enters our lives.
Syndicate offers a safe space for all to come and share their ideas, their dreams, what motivates them and keeps them creating. Syndicate offers and seasonal cycle menu that changes with the season; as a lot of us do in our lives.. we change with our experiences in life. We have an extensive craft cocktail list that is curated to have a multi sensory experience with each drink. We strive for passion and dedication in everything we do. This is ours and your safe haven.

Dana, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Introducing a visionary entrepreneur and the proud owner of an upscale seasonal cycle restaurant, we present the remarkable journey of Dana Taucher. With an unwavering passion for culinary excellence, Dana has carved a path marked by determination, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to fostering a sense of community.

Family lies at the core of Dana’s values, serving as an enduring source of inspiration. Guided by the unwavering support of a loving father, Dana embarked on a remarkable journey of following her dreams in life. Tragically, after the unexpected loss of their father, Dana gracefully assumed the role of raising her two younger brothers with unwavering devotion, becoming an exemplary figure of love, guidance, and resilience.

Dana’s ascent within the service industry is a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication. Starting as a first-time server, Dana fearlessly embraced opportunities for growth, scaling the ranks to become a skillful bartender, a trusted training advisor, and ultimately a seasoned manager. Her impressive track record includes successfully spearheading the opening of seventeen restaurants for multiple independent restaurant groups, leaving an indelible mark in Oakland and Wayne County.

Armed with a business management and marketing degree from Baker, Dana combines a can-do attitude with an entrepreneurial spirit. Her dynamic nature has propelled her to constantly explore new ventures and embrace calculated risks. In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Dana had the honor of being a featured contestant on the esteemed show, “The Blox,” a celebrated platform for showcasing the greatest minds in entrepreneurship.

The concept of Syndicate is more than just a business endeavor for Dana. It is a manifestation of Her deep-seated belief in the power of gathering people of common interest. Embracing the vibrant art and music community of Detroit since 2008, Dana has fostered meaningful connections and played an instrumental role in supporting local talents, further enhancing the cultural fabric of the city.

Embracing her commitment to social responsibility, Dana champions the values of sourcing locally, supporting small businesses, and empowering women and minority-owned enterprises. As an independent project, this restaurant stands as a testament to the resilient spirit of women entrepreneurship and is proudly family-operated.

Above all, Dana is driven by an unwavering love for community and creating a safe haven where individuals can freely express themselves and truly belong. Her genuine warmth and commitment to inclusivity create an atmosphere where guests feel not only welcome but appreciated, ensuring that every visit to her establishment is an extraordinary experience. With Dana’s visionary leadership and unwavering dedication, this upscale locally focused restaurant promises to be a haven of culinary excellence, community engagement, and heartfelt hospitality. Prepare to embark on an unforgettable gastronomic journey curated by a true industry trailblazer.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I started my vision of Syndicate in early 2018, my idea grew fonder when I found the perfect location. A glass shop that had been vacant for over 8 years, bare bones, no electrical, no plumbing, and no gas connection… a full build out from top to bottom but something that I could make my own. My vision of Syndicate began to formulate and I spent weeks working with the Oakland County Economic Department which is a free service available to local small businesses in county’s all over Michigan. I had an agent who helped me structure my business plan and predict projections based on the existing businesses in the area around me. This was a big build out and something that I could not accomplish on my own… I started reaching out to private/silent investors and looking for funding. Even after expressing my great passion for what Syndicate was to become all private investors denied my partnership. I remember being told that I was “too young, a single female, I was getting into something that I couldn’t handle on my own” but my resilience shined through. I went to the Small Business Administration and submitted my ideas and projections. I submitted in the midst of Covid-19 and was denied, I literally got the phone call… “are you joking? you want a loan for a restaurant build out?” Even then I did not let them hold me back, I continued to formulate a plan, a vision, an idea that I just could not let go of. In early 2020 I got a phone call back from the SBA stating I was “the first on the list for a small business loan for a restaurant build out at 2% interest”. It took two years to receive that phone call, but it was the best phone call I have ever answered. I stayed persistent, withstood anything that came my way, and sprung back from anything that tried to shut me down. You have to believe in yourself and your mission, don’t give up. Be resilient, it will show.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think the most important way to build your reputation within your market is to learn from those and seek relationships with those who are more versed in what you’re doing. Gaining knowledge from your peers does not make you look like you know any less than them. It shows your interest in other peoples ideas and visions which ultimately contributes to your reputation. The term “its not what you know, it who you know” could not be more true.     

Contact Info:

• Website: www.syndicateferndale.com
• Instagram: Syndicate_Ferndale
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084102698639