Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Hoerning.
Hi Matthew, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I began working in the restaurant industry when I was a teen. I worked at different restaurants around the Twin Cities while I was going to school for my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees. I was able to earn enough money to pay off my tuition while attending college. After I graduated I spent a few years backpacking around the world, returning for a few months at a time to make money so I could leave on my next adventure. Around the age of 27 I flew home for what I planned to be a few months to make money and the night I got home I met the woman who is now my wife. Elizabeth (my wife) and I spent the first few years together living in Saint Paul and eventually bought a house in Hudson. I grew up in this area and was working at a local restaurant. I formed a relationship with the owners of the restaurant I was working at and we formed a partnership to open Hudson Tap with me as an owner/operator. That was four years ago and together we have opened a few other locations since, Our partnership consists of four of us, each with our own role.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The restaurant industry is full of ups and downs. When you have the right people in the right places, I can’t think of a more enjoyable business to be in. Then right when things are smooth sailing something inevitably happens in the blink of an eye that requires attention. The biggest challenges currently are supply chain issues causing fluctuating product prices, and staffing shortages. I feel blessed on a daily basis to have the hard-working, loyal staff that I do. I know many restaurants are operating short-handed, but I haven’t felt it to the extreme that many restaurant owners I know personally have.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When I grew up in this area, I always felt Hudson was missing a dedicated sports bar. When we were conceptualizing the idea behind this bar, my goal was to create the bar I wanted to hang out in. What we created has been really well received in Downtown Hudson. We offer a large draft beer list that is constantly changing and offers hard to find and seasonally-appropriate beers. We also have a TON of TVs and all of the major sports packages so we take watching games seriously. Along with that, we went for a fun atmosphere and have a lot of arcade games, pool tables, pinball machines, dart boards and a host of activities. We run pinball leagues, trivia nights, and have a lot of breweries come in to do beer sampling. We try and keep the atmosphere fun and alive. Our menu is American Bar Fare but with a unique build-your-own burger option which has a lot of variety. We also make fantastic pizza. There are a few things I love about this concept. The first is that Hudson Tap gives parents an opportunity to enjoy each other’s company. Taking kids out to eat can be a hassle at times. At Hudson Tap, you can get your kid a game card and let them run around and have fun will the parents enjoy a beer and don’t have to constantly observe their kid. It’s a fun family environment that turns into a bit of a 21+ party after 10pm. The other thing I love about this location is the interaction between our staff and our regular clientele. It is the type of place where I can walk in the door and know more than half the guests by their first name. People who frequent this place are good people!
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters to me most in life is the honor and leading by example. My goal is to be proud of the person I am, more than the things I have accomplished. This means doing the right thing, even when it is difficult. I strive to be the best husband, son, friend, and soon-to-be father that I can be. When you make this your goal, it is easy to feel fulfilled when I finally lay my head down at night. I like to think that when others witness a person who continually treats everyone with respect and makes an effort to do the right thing, they will be more inclined to do so in their daily lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hudsontap.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hudsontapwi
