A Culinary and Spirits Masterclass with Drew McDonald LIVE at The Plaid Apron

In Episode 18 of Distilling Greatness, Company Distilling’s Master Distiller Jeff Arnett sat down for an insightful and entertaining live conversation with Drew McDonald, owner and chef of The Plaid Apron, a beloved neighborhood restaurant in Knoxville, Tennessee. This special episode, recorded in front of a live audience, offers a deep dive into the connections between the culinary and spirits worlds, the trials and triumphs of entrepreneurship, and the power of community in building a brand and a legacy.

From Pre-med to Culinary Visionary: Drew’s Journey

Drew McDonald’s path to culinary excellence could have been more straightforward. Growing up in a small town in Hickman County, Tennessee, Drew initially set out to become a doctor. But after spending long hours in the library and labs, he realized his true passion lay elsewhere—specifically in the kitchen. Transitioning from premed to pursuing a career in food, Drew’s journey led him through culinary school, stints in prestigious restaurants, and eventually to founding The Plaid Apron, where his vision of blending local agriculture with fine dining came to life.

The Importance of Local Sourcing and Community

At the heart of Drew’s mission with The Plaid Apron is supporting local farmers and providing high-quality, farm-to-table meals. In the episode, Drew highlights how his relationships with local farmers have been foundational to the restaurant’s success. He explains how the “Farmer to Restaurant to Mouth” model helps keep dollars within the local economy while delivering fresh, flavorful food to his customers. This connection to community is something Drew and Jeff both deeply value, as Company Distilling also emphasizes the importance of locality and quality in its whiskey production.

Shared Paths: The Master Distiller and the Chef

Both Drew and Jeff’s stories share a common thread: neither planned to end up where they are today, yet both have excelled in their respective fields. Jeff’s own journey from premed to engineering, and eventually to becoming the Master Distiller at Jack Daniel’s before launching Company Distilling, mirrors Drew’s pivot from medicine to cooking. Both leaders discuss the importance of embracing change and following your passion, even when it means taking a less conventional route.

Entrepreneurship: The Highs, the Lows, and the Lessons

A key theme throughout the episode is the reality of entrepreneurship. Drew candidly discusses the challenges of running a restaurant, from working long hours to managing financial risks. Jeff echoes this sentiment as he shares the complexities of leaving a corporate career to start his whiskey brand. Both agree that to succeed as an entrepreneur; you need to be comfortable with discomfort and willing to make tough decisions while keeping a long-term vision.

Gathering Around the Table: The Power of Connection

Food, drinks, and the company you share them with are powerful connectors. As Drew points out, many important moments in life—whether it’s family dinners or gatherings with friends—happen around the table. Jeff ties this sentiment into Company Distilling’s philosophy, noting that whiskey is about more than just the drink—it’s about creating moments of connection and building memories with those you care about.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Both Jeff and Drew share valuable insights for those looking to make the leap into entrepreneurship:

  • Be prepared to pivot: No business plan survives fully intact. You’ll need to adapt and adjust based on circumstances, and that’s okay.
  • Love what you do: Passion is essential because entrepreneurship will test your limits.
  • Build community: Whether it’s through sourcing locally or creating spaces where people can gather, fostering relationships is key to long-term success.
  • Be okay with discomfort: Both Jeff and Drew stress that owning a business means embracing uncertainty and learning to thrive in it.

Final Thoughts

As Episode 18 of Distilling Greatness wraps up, it’s clear that both Drew McDonald and Jeff Arnett share a commitment to craftsmanship, community, and quality. Their conversation is filled with humor, wisdom, and practical advice for anyone interested in food, spirits, or starting their own business. Whether you’re a fan of whiskey, a food enthusiast, or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers something for everyone.