News Summary
Ohio Crawford, a dedicated Air Force veteran, has revitalized Backyard on Broadway, creating a family-friendly venue while launching Dibs Mixers, an innovative cocktail syrup brand. This transformation emphasizes improved staff culture, freshly made dishes, and unique drink mixers, filling a gap in the local bar industry. Crawford’s background in the food sector and military experience uniquely positions him to succeed in this new venture, enhancing the local dining landscape in San Antonio.
San Antonio
Ohio Crawford, an Air Force veteran, has successfully transformed Backyard on Broadway into a vibrant family-friendly establishment and has launched a new brand, Dibs Mixers, specializing in innovative cocktail syrups. This transition marks a significant milestone for Crawford, reflecting both his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to meeting local market needs.
Crawford’s endeavors at Backyard on Broadway have resulted in a complete overhaul of the venue, enhancing its atmosphere and functionality. The venue now features a playground, upgraded outdoor lighting, picnic tables, and commissioned artwork, creating an inviting space for families and social gatherings. His focus has been on improving staff culture, enhancing accountability, ensuring drink consistency, and shifting the menu from frozen items to freshly made offerings.
Dibs Mixers, officially launched around Halloween 2023, began as Crawford identified a need for consistent drink mixers in local bars. Over the past year, he developed unique cocktail syrup flavors that fill existing gaps in the industry. His skills in identifying niche markets have led to Dibs Mixers being utilized by several local bars, establishing a presence in the competitive world of beverage services.
Crawford’s Background and Experience
Having started his career in the food industry about a decade ago at Olive Garden, Crawford relocated to San Antonio in 2017. During his time working under renowned chef Jason Dady, he gained invaluable insights into the private restaurant sector which laid the groundwork for his future leadership roles. His experience in the Air Force as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician provided him with unique skills in managing high-pressure situations and staff, which have proved beneficial in his restaurant ventures.
In 2020, he began consulting for local businesses, a move that eventually led him to Backyard on Broadway. Empowered with autonomy to make operational improvements, Crawford was able to drive profitability and transform the customer experience.
Significant Developments at Backyard on Broadway
The venue’s transformation journey has been marked by a series of strategic changes aimed at enhancing its appeal. Key improvements include:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Playground | A newly installed playground, making it family-friendly. |
| Outdoor Seating | Added picnic tables to foster a welcoming atmosphere. |
| Art | Commissioned artworks by local artist Chris Ramos. |
| Menu Upgrades | Shifted from frozen items to in-house made dishes. |
Birth of Dibs Mixers
Crawford saw a significant market gap in drink mixers and took action by developing syrups that would address inconsistency in local bars. Dibs Mixers has been embraced by various establishments, earning a reputation for uniqueness and quality.
As Crawford reflects on his career journey, he acknowledges that engaging more with literature early on could have enhanced his understanding of the business. His favorite dining spot in San Antonio, Mon Thai Bistro, known for its exceptional sushi, highlights his appreciation for quality dining experiences.
What is Dibs Mixers?
Dibs Mixers is a brand founded by Ohio Crawford that specializes in innovative cocktail syrup flavors designed to meet the needs of local bars.
What changes were made to Backyard on Broadway?
Key changes include the addition of a playground, new outdoor seating, upgraded menu items, and improvements to staff culture and drink consistency.
What is Ohio Crawford’s background?
Ohio Crawford is an Air Force veteran with over ten years of experience in the food industry. He has worked in various restaurant roles before becoming a co-owner of Backyard on Broadway and launching Dibs Mixers.
When was Dibs Mixers launched?
Dibs Mixers was officially launched around Halloween 2023, with the development process starting in 2021.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- San Antonio Current: Ohio Crawford of Backyard on Broadway
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- Express News: Kerr County Flood Relief
- Google Search: Kerr County Flood
- CultureMap: Top News Stories – Jake Paul
- Google Scholar: Jake Paul
- Kens5: Texas Floods Food Donation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Floods
- Express News: San Antonio Chefs’ Mental Health
- Google News: San Antonio Chefs
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
