We were lucky to catch up with Patrick Thomas recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Patrick thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry? Any stories or anecdotes that illustrate why this matters?

If we’re talking about local food and beverage companies, I believe that Corporate America often overlooks the importance of local craft beer and the unique experience it can offer to customers. Local craft beer and locally sourced food are essential elements that contribute to creating an authentic and unique dining experience. Understanding this need and desire, I have personally taken the initiative to introduce craft beer to local customers and celebrate local flavors. At OC Local Taproom, we believe that by embracing the local community and their preferences, we can create a stronger connection with our customers and offer them food and beverage options that are truly special.

I recognized the growing demand for locally crafted beers and the unique flavors they offer compared to mass-produced or so-called craft beers. Drawing on this insight combined with my 18 years of experience from previous restaurants, I was able to see a blue water opportunity in the restaurant industry.

At OC Local Taproom, one of the key aspects we focus on is providing a wide variety of local craft beers and pairing them with local food in our restaurants. I noticed the need and desire for customers to explore different flavors and support local breweries. By curating a diverse craft beer and wine selection, we offer a unique experience that keeps our guests engaged and satisfied. Additionally, we strive to create a positive and genuine environment for our employees, which further enhances the overall guest experience.

In terms of the guest experience, we pay attention to all the details – ranging from a custom wood carved table in the shape of California to having exceptionally clean and well-maintained bathrooms. We believe that every aspect of the restaurant should contribute to a pleasant visit for our guests. Another aspect that sets us apart is our bar design. We intentionally do not have any seats at the bar, promoting a standing-only concept. This encourages social interaction and creates a vibrant atmosphere. One specific area that I have seen success in is the creation of a VIP table for our regulars, employees, and members of the social community. This designated spot has become a go-to location for people who value our positive culture and enjoy the camaraderie.

On that note, I feel that Corporate America also tends to neglect the importance of treating employees well. When I walk into other establishments, I often sense a lack of passion and satisfaction from the staff. In contrast, I strongly believe in the value of happy employees and the positive impact they have on the overall dining experience. When you visit OC Local Taproom you’ll be delighted to engage with happy employees who are also well educated about the foods and beverages being offered. Since our menu is often changing…We encourage relationship development between employees and customers as part of the overall experience.

At OC Local Taproom we foster a genuine and engaging environment where employees can thrive and enjoy their work. From incentives and training opportunities to accommodating individual scheduling requests, we strive to ensure that each team member feels respected, valued, and motivated to deliver exceptional service.

When it comes to selecting new team members, our focus extends beyond mere experience. While experience is valuable, we prioritize individuals who possess a positive attitude, a genuine smile, and a natural inclination towards kindness. These qualities are crucial, especially in the demanding restaurant business, where stressful situations can arise. By starting with employees who embody these qualities, we can mold them according to our desired training methods, ensuring a cohesive and unified team.

Unlike some corporate mentalities that emphasize individualism and personal gain, we foster an environment where teamwork takes center stage. Collaboration is highly valued, and we encourage our staff to work together towards a common goal. To promote this team-oriented approach, we have a daily practice of pooling our tips. This ensures that everyone is equally invested and working harmoniously, understanding that success is a collective effort.

Additionally, we understand the importance of accommodating our employees’ needs and providing them with incentives. Flexibility is a key aspect of our approach, and we make every effort to honor one hundred percent of their schedule requests. By doing so, we demonstrate our commitment to treating each team member as we would like to be treated ourselves. We strive to create an atmosphere where employees do not feel like just another name on the schedule, but rather valued individuals contributing to our shared success.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am incredibly proud of the impact OC Local Taproom has on the community. One of the things that brings me the most joy is the opportunity to introduce and showcase local craft beers, spirits, and California wines to our patrons. Being able to contribute to the growth of these small businesses and promote their products within the community has been a truly rewarding experience.

What sets OC Local Taproom apart is the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere we have cultivated. It’s not just a restaurant or bar; it’s a place where people come together to connect, enjoy themselves, and feel like they are part of something bigger. The sense of community we have fostered is truly special.

At OC Local Taproom, there is so much more to experience than just ordering food and drinks. We offer a wide range of activities, from games to sports, providing an immersive and entertaining environment. Our constantly evolving menus ensure that there is always something new and exciting for our customers to try. It’s truly an experience like no other.

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

I would have to say that opening OC Local Taproom store was my greatest challenge and an experience that truly tested my persistence and determination. Getting that first door open was no easy feat. It took me a considerable amount of time and effort, as I encountered numerous obstacles along the way. I faced countless rejections from landlords who were hesitant to give a chance to a concept brought forth by a startup entrepreneur like me. Over a span of two and a half years, I tirelessly searched for the right property, exploring and evaluating various options. Despite being told “no” repeatedly, I refused to be discouraged.

As I persevered, I took an active approach in pursuing opportunities. I hit the pavement, making phone calls, knocking on doors, engaging with people, and building connections. I was fully invested in making my vision a reality. Finally, after persistent efforts, I found a property that held promise. It was a turning point, and I seized the opportunity to transform it into my first store.

But the journey didn’t end there. I faced another immense challenge—building a business in the midst of the Covid pandemic. Once I found the location, then I worked diligently to negotiate a reasonable deal with the landlord. This involved acquiring the current business in that same location, taking over the liquor license and premises, and assuming the responsibility of renovating the entire space—all while being a startup entrepreneur and managing the finances.

The process of negotiating the business and the lease took me three months, during which I was simultaneously raising funds for the venture. Once the deal was finalized, I embarked on a six-month journey from start to finish. This period involved obtaining permits, demolishing and renovating the space, and overseeing every aspect of the project. I was fully dedicated to the task, ensuring that progress was made every single day, regardless of the circumstances.

I was there, on-site, managing the project from morning till evening, come rain or shine. I devoted countless hours, sometimes ranging from five to even 10 or 12 hours, working relentlessly towards the store’s completion. In fact, I didn’t hesitate to get my hands dirty; I personally participated in the demolition and installation processes.

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

Having been an operator for another group for almost 11 years, I had established myself within the community and already showcased my commitment and expertise in the field. My prior role allowed people to become familiar with my work ethic, observing how I consistently delivered quality results and created something noteworthy. My passion for what I do was evident to those around me, and they recognized my capabilities based on their prior interactions with me. This pre-existing recognition and trust in my abilities proved to be a significant advantage in executing my endeavors successfully.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://oclocaltaproom.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oclocaltaproom/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OCLocalTaproom/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oc-local-taproom
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/octaproom?lang=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@oclocaltaproom
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/oc-local-taproom-laguna-niguel
• Other: CONTACT US: (949)-481-5800 [email protected]