Meet The Team: Bryan Anderson
Name: Bryan Anderson 
Title: Beverage Manager
Hometown: Rockford Illinois
How long have you been with Hotel Julien Dubuque? March 2018
What path brought you to Hotel Julien Dubuque? Please share a little bit about your professional background and what led you to this industry. This past spring, our General Manager, Dwight Hopfauf, offered me the open Assistant Food and Beverage Manager. Without hesitation I accepted the job. I’m grateful to be offered this exciting role with the company. My background started back in 2008. I was offered a part time bartending job in banquets at Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort in Rockford, Illinois. I found it as a something fun to do on weekends while making a little extra money. Right away I fell in love with the industry! My co-workers encouraged me to make a career out of this industry. They told me to pursue it and everything will fall into place. A year later, I was promoted bar manager. I held that role for two years, until I moved to Texas in 2013. I returned to the Midwest in 2015 to work for Henrici’s Corporation. They own two restaurants in Rockford, one of which has been around for 50 years. They also run one of the busiest catering companies in Illinois. I started out working part-time, but soon moved up in the company. Eventually I would assist with running their top catering accounts, while still working in their restaurants. I then moved on to Greenfire Bakery & Bar. It is considered the best restaurant for craft cocktails and food in the Midwest. Now I’m here and I’m grateful for the opportunity!
What are you most passionate about professionally? What I am most passionate about professionally is making ever guest feel like they are at home when they visit Hotel Julien Dubuque. Whether it’s from delivering flawless service during someone’s wedding celebration or birthday party, to just whipping up that perfect cocktail, I strive to create a memorable experience for our guests that keeps them coming back. When a regular comes and makes a point to see you, it makes you feel like family. That is more gratifying than any gratuity I could receive.
What are you passionate about personally? What is your favorite way to spend a free weekend? I’m big into sports! Especially the Bears, Bulls, and White Sox. I love to go to a game or sit back and watch from the comfort of my home with friends. Family is also important. I try to visit my parents and three younger sisters as much as I can. For fun I like to bowl and watch movies and check out locally owned restaurants.
What are some of your favorite things to do in the Dubuque area? For fun, I like to check out the local wineries and breweries. I also enjoy going to the dog track when I have family or friends in town.
What do you love most about Hotel Julien Dubuque? The history and the structure are fascinating.
What is your personal motto? Nothing is impossible, even the word itself says possible.
Describe your typical work day. My work shifts vary each day. One day might consist of paperwork or ordering and the next I will be setting up for a party. Everyday holds something different.
Please share a go-to fun-fact about yourself. I’m terrified of clowns!
Is there anything else that you’d like to share? Check out our amazing craft cocktails in Riverboat Lounge!
