Today we’d like to introduce you to Bill Howgill.
Hi Bill, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My business partner, Grant Naugle (also owner of Tower Tavern) have been friends for a million years. When we were younger, high school age-ish, we always joked about owning a bar together. He ended up in the industry out of college while I did other corporate-type jobs for a long time. Opportunity presented itself for us to actually open a spot together so we did. Since we’ve been open, thirteen years now, we’ve gained a pretty solid group of regulars and following not only from around our neighborhood, but, as time goes, city wide. As we’ve said from the beginning, we strive to be a laid-back, neighborhood joint that welcomes all, offers excellent service, food, affordable bevs, and of course, Mystery Beers.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This industry is never necessarily smooth. There are always obstacles that can be a nuisance. But, you deal with them as they come and try to practice in such a way that they’re minimized. Having an awesome staff, which we do, helps alleviate challenges, as well. Obviously, Covid was a real struggle, but that’s not exclusive. It was for everyone.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I think we specialize in being a fun, laid back neighborhood spot. We can be a gathering place for friends to visit, or a raucous place to watch a Chiefs game. We are proud of our food menu. We use fresh products and make everything from scratch–dressings, hand cut fries/chips, hand cut, breaded chicken and pork tenderloins. Nothing is freezer to fryer and, I think it shows. Our menu is delicious. I think one of the most popular attributes about Hi-Dive is the mystery beer machine. It absolutely draws people in and it’s super popular. In terms of brand, being known as the “Home of the Mystery Beer” is super cool and we embrace it.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The support we receive from the community is awesome. Being a community partner with other businesses on 39th street, the support we all show each other, the interest and care we all have for the neighborhood is pretty cool. It has taken some time, but the whole area is really becoming a destination entertainment district for the metro, To my knowledge, there is no big corporate interest on 39th. We’re all Mom and Pop places that are trying to offer respective quality services, make a living, and have a good time doing it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @hidivelounge
- Facebook: Hi-Dive Lounge
- Twitter: @HiDiveLounge
