Exploring Life & Business with Randy Duren of Hair of the Dog

Today we’d like to introduce you to Randy Duren.

Hi Randy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Hair of the Dog is a product of COVID. With a lot of downtime and the uncertainty of being gainfully employed, my wife and I started to put together a business plan that combines our favorite things: beer, wine, coffee, and dogs. The result is a place where the community can come together and converse with one another over a pint of ale or a frothy cappuccino. This was also when dog rescues had record-low numbers of available dogs. We took note. People were bonding with their four-legged friends more than ever before, and we wanted to provide folks with a space that celebrated and encouraged that bond. The dogs have been an excellent addition. Our guests are even more likely to engage with each other when they have a dog there to help break the ice. It’s been a privilege to watch our guests become friends.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Owning your own business is never a smooth road. We’ve struggled to pay our bills often, but our passion for this project outweighs any problems. We have joked that I maintain my full-time position at the university so Hair of the Dog may survive another day. So far, although there have been many close calls (looking for wood to knock on), we have overcome any obstacle that has come our way.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us more about your business.
Hair of the Dog provides guests with excellent wine, delicious craft beer, and delectable locally roasted coffee. Our staff is knowledgeable and friendly (although we might greet your dog before you). Our vibe is chill and comfortable. Whether it’s a sofa and solid wifi or a table large enough for a heated round of your favorite board game, Hair of the Dog is a place that feels like home. We pride ourselves in serving Arizona wines, beers, coffee, and snacks. If it’s not from Arizona, you can be certain it is a craft. You’ll need help finding a beer from a mega-corporation on our rotating tap list or in our well-stocked to-go cooler. We also have live music and host food trucks nearly every weekend. If we don’t have a food truck parked nearby, our guests are always welcome to bring whatever food they like (also known as BYOF). We’ve seen guests get pretty creative with this. We are also a great spot for parties! We’ve hosted birthdays, anniversaries, and even a wedding. Our guests can reserve a few tables or the whole place.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Gilbert is booming! The quality restaurants, bars, schools, and parks in Gilbert make it a wonderful place to raise a family or even retire. Downtown Gilbert is often too crowded (for good reason, it’s awesome). Although we often wonder how things would be if Hair of the Dog were at a busier intersection, there is something to be said about being able to park and not having to wait an hour for a table.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hairofthedoggilbert.com
• Instagram: hairofthedog.az
• Facebook: hairofthedog.az

Image Credits
Digital Sunrise digitalsunriseaz.com