Biscuits, Burgers and Betty: A Chat with Chef Ceasar Zepeda of Alamo Biscuit Co. & Sangria on the Burg

When Chef Ceasar Zepeda opened Alamo Biscuit Company, his fast-casual breakfast and lunch concept, this past summer, he didn’t know what exactly to expect.

When the industry staple who cut his teeth at La Fonda on Main set out to open his first concept at Sangria on the Burg, a low-key reception allowed for finessing. By the time critics and bloggers came around with their tasting notes and cameras, flavors were squared away.

But that was 2016. In 2019, the friendly and hospitable chef had made his name servicing the northwest side of San Antonio, and winning several accolades along the way. The public wanted more.

Those first few weeks at Alamo Biscuit Co. and Panaderia were hectic to say the least, but Ceasar credits a strong staff culture for making it this far.

“A new concept is always hard, but it boiled down to hiring the right people,” Ceasar said.

He credits executive chef Julio Sanchez for helping whip the kitchen at ABC into shape, and hiring people who understand the culture he’s trying to create.

“We want to bring folks on and make sure we give them 40 hours. It’s hard when we slow down, but bills don’t stop for us or them,” Ceasar said.

Still, he credits customer service and relationship building as part of the reason people return.

“Knowing someone’s name, asking about their family…those things matter more than the food sometimes. That’s what really builds a clientele,” Ceasar said.

This extends to tourists that visit the restaurant even just once.

“We’re taking Betty next door with us to Whiskey Rose when it opens. Just having local beer now in general is something people appreciate even if they’re just here for a few days,” the chef said. “We can help them experience San Antonio in a whole new way when we tell them where the beer comes from and how they can go visit Dorćol and other places we’re proud of.”

Thanks, chef! We’re proud of you too!

Visit Sangria on the Burg for a HighWheel brew for Taco Tuesday, or ask for a beer-mosa next time you’re at Alamo Biscuit Co.

Our Resolutions for 2020

The dawn of a new year and decade often make us feel like we have to set grand goals to meet such an occasion.

Ten years ago, we had but a dream to open a distillery, let alone a brewery, that employs a growing staff off South Flores. But here we are.

So for this year, we want to do more.

We want to feature more bartenders who create amazing cocktails using Kinsman brandy.

We want to spread the deliciousness that is HighWheel beers.

We want to connect with more organizations and groups that enjoy quality spirits.

And we want to make Dorćol more of a second home to our guests.

We’re asking for more from you as well.

Please help us expand our digital footprint by always tagging @dorcolspirits on Twitter and Instagram; checking in on Facebook, and using the hashtag #drinkatdorcol when you visit.

Look for our HighWheel taps (big orange, tiny highwheel bike on top, you can’t miss it) or our Kinsman bottle at any of the other wonderful bars and restaurants that carry Dorćol products across San Antonio and use the tag #drinkingkinsman or #drinkinghighwheel to be featured on our timeline.

Here’s to MORE this year!

HIRING: Assistant Brewer at Dorćol Distilling + Brewing Co.

Dorćol Distilling and Brewing Company, makers of award-winning Kinsman spirits and HighWheel brews, is looking for an Assistant Brewer.  Dorćol is a small team of passionate owners / employees.  As a part of this team, the Assistant Brewer will participate in every aspect of the production of HighWheel beer including: washing kegs, milling grain, transferring and cleaning tanks, production of wort, carbonation of beer, filling kegs, and cleaning the brewery. If you possess the attributes below, we want to talk to you.  

Skills and Abilities:

·  A passion for craft beer.  An understanding of the brewing process or brewery experience is a plus.

·  Attention to detail, organized, and the ability to problem solve

·  A proven ability to simultaneously handle multiple tasks at once 

·  The ability to lift 55-pound bags of grain and 160-pound kegs of beer and work on your feet all day

·  A desire to learn the other facets of our business (distribution, bar operations, distilling) to help as a member of a small, growing team

Compensation/Benefits

· Hourly, competitive pay rate based on experience and skill set

· Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays

· Health Insurance

· Being a member of a dynamic, growing part of the San Antonio craft brewing community

How to Apply

Email your resume and cover letter to jobs@DorcolSpirits.com with "Assistant Brewer" in the subject line. 

Equal Opportunity

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Sooner or Lager: We're making a Pils!

Spring has sprung at the warehouse, but while we’re enjoying the mild temperatures, Randy’s thinking ahead to those sweltering South Texas days. As such, he created our first HighWheel lager, a golden yellow Czech-style number that’ll keep you cool as the temperatures keep climbing.

This time, Randy leaned into the pils, named after the Czech city of Plzen and known for its crisp, clean finish. Using traditional Czech hops, he delivered a 5.9 percent ABV pale lager with mild bitterness, that’ll rival Betty with its refreshing and easy-drinking quality. Come try one in the tasting room starting April 26!

IBU:  30, ABV: 5.9%, color: 3.8 SRM