Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth and Michael Swail.
Elizabeth and Michael, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
We both have a background in the investment banking world but have always loved food, coffee, wine, and spirits. When we moved from Houston to Austin, we found there was a gap in the Austin food scene; you could have a fabulous fine dining experience, eat incredible food from a food truck, and find some of the best BBQ and tacos around, but there were few places with straightforward offerings in an elevated setting. The places that did exist either had great coffee but grab and go style food or great food but mediocre coffee, and very few also had wine and cocktail lists that were really unique. We wanted it all so we found some really talented people to help us make it happen. We were lucky enough to work with Michael Hsu as our architect and have Foda create a beautiful brand for us. We had already opened a coffee shop (with a limited food offering, but great wine menu) prior to opening Forthright so we felt confident we could bring in a great menu and well-made classic cocktails to create what we envisioned.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Owning a restaurant is rarely without struggles! While we finally were able to create an incredible team, it took us a long time to get there. Austin has a lot of restaurants and there is literally a new one opening every week. Couple that with a limited workforce and staffing issues are always a concern. Quality hospitality professionals are constantly being tempted by the next big thing and being poached away with big promises.
The building we are located in, as well as the hotel across the street, underwent major renovations that dragged on for several months – think jackhammering into concrete and dumpsters outside are usually peaceful and leafy patio. We also had to close off the entrance that our entire restaurant was designed around and have guests enter through what was originally designed to be our staff entrance and the back entrance hallway walls were papered and the floor was covered with cardboard. While we remained busy, these interruptions certainly had an impact on our customers’ perceptions and experience.
Then, we had a small kitchen fire that we are currently under construction from. We will reopen this August but it has been a long road with insurance, contractors, permits, landlords, etc. Yet, all that said, we’ve tried to make the best of everything by stepping in for employees who didn’t cut it so that our best employees would not suffer or be exposed to negative attitudes. That helped us build a fantastic team of loyal employees who love to serve customers and care a lot about what they do. We also did brunch pop-ups on weekends after the fire and opened a food truck nearby to continue to serve our customers. We’re optimistic about the future.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Forthright – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We make honest food from scratch, prepare it well, and use quality ingredients. In the morning, we pour Tweed specialty coffee. At happy hour we stir no-fuss cocktails. We are known for our charming ambiance with tall windows, natural light, sturdy chairs, plenty of shade… a place for a read. We’re known for our weekday daytime offerings (breakfast and lunch) and for weekend brunch.
We’re not trying to be the next “it” restaurant or fit into a particular genre of food. We simply want to be a place where you know you can get a well-made meal that you will love every single time, a place where you never get tired of the food while sipping one of the best lattes in town, a beautiful glass of natural wine, or a fun cocktail. Having all of those things under one roof, in a lovely setting, at a reasonable price is what sets up apart.
But even above all of “what” we offer is why. We are so on fire about hospitality and creating a place where people feel welcome and gather over the most essential and definitive of human experiences: eating and drinking. We thought Austin deserved something ‘easy’ again.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Right now, we’re focused on reopening asap and getting our team in place so no major changes in the near future. Before the fire, we have been looking at spaces for a second location in Austin as well as Houston and Dallas so I’m sure we will get there again over time.
Contact Info:
- Address: 98 San Jacinto Blvd @ Brazos St.
- Website: www.forthright.cafe
- Email: michael@forthright.cafe
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forthrightcafe/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forthrightcafe/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/forthright-austin-7
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