dan d.

Dan D. | Server

The Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange

Years of Industry Service: 15, on and off

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Dan grew up in blue collar Cleveland, Ohio in a "very strong-willed family" with parents who always taught him that if he wanted something, he'd have to work for it. With that upbringing, Dan has always been and continues to be a total workhorse. "To me working 60 hours a week is completely normal," he says. " I love my time with my friends and girlfriend but I need to work or I get bored."

He left home when he was twenty-one to work on the Vans Warped Tour and has not looked back at Cleveland since. With no connections in the scene and only the desire to be a part of the music tour, Dan e-mailed the tour organizer, offering his services, saying he would do whatever, for no pay if necessary. Although he didn't hear anything for a couple of months, Dan happened to catch the organizer on instant messenger and tried again. The very next day they sent him a plane ticket. Persistence pays off when you really want something. Dan's just-go-for-it attitude has taken him all over the country and to where he is today. 

Whether he was part of the music world or selling steel, which he successfully did for six years, Dan has always been a part of the restaurant industry. "I worked 7 days a week for 12 years," he said. "It just never felt like it." Four years ago, Dan made his way to Kansas City where he found like-minded friends in food, art and music. He finds Kansas City to be a vibrant, quickly growing city with a hometown feel and a genuine enthusiasm for the food, art and music scenes that he loves. 

When he's not working, Dan loves to read, often times reading a book a day. He loves trivia, movies, cooking and working out. "I'm a big nerd when it comes down to it."
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Dan was photographed at Westport Cafe & Bar.

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