San Antonio Movers and Shakers

Brian Strange – 6/19/10

President, Don Strange of Texas, Inc.

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Ever since he was a young boy, Brian Strange has been involved in various aspects of the catering and party planning business. What else would you expect of the eldest son of world-renowned caterer Don Strange? Born and raised in San Antonio, Brian, who has been “officially” working with his father for the past 20 years, always knew that one day he would take the helm of the Don Strange of Texas, Inc. business. It is a role that he assumed with his father’s blessing nearly five years ago, as Don began to put a succession plan in place. Now, with the passing in 2009 of Don Strange, Brian has become more visible in his leadership role, continuing to run the business in much the same way as he has for the past five years. The business continues to grow and thrive under Brian’s leadership, and today the brand Don Strange of Texas, Inc. remains synonymous with excellent food, outstanding service, one-of-a-kind events and first class venues.

Q: Since the passing last year of Don Strange, how are things “business as usual” at Don Strange of Texas, Inc.?

A: I have been working with dad at Don Strange of Texas for the past 20 years, but dad was the front man of the business whether he liked it or not because it is his name on the door. But what many people don’t realize is that dad wanted Don Strange to be a brand, not a name. At the time of his death, he had already begun implementing a five-year plan to take Don Strange the man out of Don Strange of Texas, Inc., bring me out from my role in the back of the house, and put our Director of Sales, Di-Anna Arias, and me in charge of running the show. We have been actively driving Don Strange the brand over the past five years, but the public never realized it because Don Strange the man was right there. So in essence, we are doing almost everything the same way that we always have, it’s just that now our roles, particularly mine as the front man, are more visible without dad’s presence.

Q: How do you use the strengths of the other departments to create the big picture?

A: I am surrounded by a wealth of knowledge and 25-30 years experience from the Don Strange of Texas, Inc. team. They are the backbone and heart of this business, particularly Di-Anna who shares my dad’s culinary vision and is, in my opinion, the key ingredient to the success of our company. Basically we have five departments that function independently, but that also collectively work as a team. What that means is that there is not one person here who could not run the show to some extent and it has always been that way. Our bookkeeper can lead a party team, for example, and our sales people can do payroll. Dad always made sure that everyone here can do a little bit of someone else’s job and that has always kept things running smoothly for us. Going forward we will continue to function as a team. I am only as good as the team is and I will use their talents and skills to create new opportunities for us as a business.

Q: What are the basic philosophies that you have learned from working in the family business for the past 20 years that are your foundation for leading the company now?

A: Don Strange of Texas is known for several things, but first and foremost is quality cuisines and service and those are two things that will never change. Everything we serve is always fresh, and if we can cook it in front of you, that’s the way we are going to do it. Another one of our family’s philosophies is to stay innovative. We have never had any desire to be the status quo. A big driving strategy of our company is to continue to serve as ambassadors of San Antonio and Texas. Dad was a huge proponent of sharing and promoting our natural resources and we have no intention of stopping now. But the most important philosophy I have learned and what is the foundation for the Don Strange of Texas, Inc. business is sincerity and generosity. Dad always said that if you don’t possess those qualities in business then you might as well use a fake bale of hay as a prop—and that was just not the way he rolled!

Q: When a legacy as big as this one falls into your lap, how do you handle the responsibility of living up to it and how will you put your own spin on that legacy?

A: Dad taught us well over the years, especially as he was implementing his succession plan, so living up to his legacy isn’t really that difficult. As I mentioned earlier, Di-Anna shares dad’s culinary vision, but I inherited his creativity and creative energy, and I am using that energy to continue to book more business. Like dad, I will stay outside of the box creatively, but my contribution to the legacy is to get us back inside the box from a business standpoint. What I mean by that is that we are doing more planning and forecasting. We will continue to take risks, but always with a fair amount of research and development. I am not really doing things differently. I am doing them a little more efficiently and with a little more structure. It’s still dad’s template, I am just tweaking it a bit.

Q: Where do you see Don Strange of Texas in five years?

A: Thriving with the ranch being utilized more and the Buckhorn becoming the key downtown destination for private events. I see huge opportunities in the market for growth and partnerships within the venue arenas and I plan to explore those options. My vision is to continue to produce world-class events and promote the Don Strange of Texas, Inc. brand, the city of San Antonio, and the great state of Texas wherever we go.

For More Information:

From the Texas Hill Country, Don Strange of Texas, Inc. has established itself as one of the most sought-after catering companies in the nation. More than a half-century ago, the Strange family became pioneers of the Texas hospitality industry when they opened their grocery store and special events facility, simply known as The Party House. Every Don Strange event exudes mesmerizing Texas spirit and serves up traditional Northern Mexico and authentic Texas cuisine of incomparable culinary taste and presentation. Don Strange has earned the reputation as the premier caterer in Texas and beyond, and has amassed an impressive following of loyal clients. Three generations of the Strange family have seamlessly fused the mystique of Texas’ history and culture with world class cuisine and unsurpassed style.

Experiencing the taste of Don Strange’s legendary recipes has been limited to those attending an event catered by Don Strange. After five decades of perfecting the recipes and with millions of satisfied patrons served, Don Strange is now making his most coveted signature items available for purchase so you too can “Celebrate Every Day!”

Hosts,
Bjorn Dybdahl of Bjorn's
John Thurman of Heart of Texas Realty
Scott Woolfolk of Documation