Andrew Neidert, owner of Tapped Drafthouse & Kitchen, said he always dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur. So when he found himself building hospitals in Houston after graduating from Texas A&M University in 2012 with a management degree, Neidert said he realized he needed a career change to fulfill his lifelong goal of opening his own business. “I didn’t really see the avenue to owning my own business while building hospitals downtown,” Neidert said. In May 2017 he decided to strike out on his own and open Tapped Drafthouse & Kitchen, a casual bar and full-service restaurant. The restaurant features 50 different craft beers on tap that rotate every few days and are sourced from all over the world. “I’ve always been a beer connoisseur, and with my family’s [50 years] experience in the restaurant industry, I just paired good food with craft beer,” he said. To develop a business concept, Neidert said he traveled around the country to find inspiration. The vision, he said, was to serve only craft beers and healthy dining options in a family-friendly atmosphere; however, he said he opened his new business with the intent of making changes over time. “The goal from the beginning was to open with a limited menu and then double the menu,” he said. In December 2017, Neidert did just that, adding in dishes such as tacos, panini and sliders. Now, food and alcohol sales are 50/50. Neidert said he plans to open a location in December at 1488 Old Conroe Road, Magnolia, featuring an expanded menu. Being a new business owner, Neidert said he is continually trying new business strategies, such as presetting the tables before customers walk in. “We’ve been open a year and a half, which means we don’t know anything yet,” he said. “We’re still a brand-new business.”

Tapped Drafthouse & Kitchen

20444 Kuykendahl Road, Suite D, Spring 281-719-0360 www.tappedus.com Hours:  Mon.-Thur. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-midnight, Sun. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Watch this video of Neidert demonstrating how to use a Crowler canning machine.