THE TEAM

3 families. 1 dream.

Alex and Jeff go way back–-like, high school hallway back. Add spouses, a gaggle of kids, and some corporate job burnout, suddenly opening a place sounded less crazy. Jeff reached out to Danny—friend-of-a-friend and restaurant pro. After a few “business meetings” (AKA family hangouts with seven kids under age seven), Dwellers Drinkery was born.

Building the kind of place we want to spend our own weekends in.

Nice to meet you.

  • Man wearing glasses and a beige button-up shirt, smiling in front of a plain wall.

    Jeff Dugan

    Jeff double majored in marketing and entrepreneurship so he's always full of ideas and ready to share. As a senior account manager at Amazon, Jeff knows how to communicate with people and get things done, even when it's complicated. Jeff dreams of running Dwellers Drinkery by day and talking movies and sports by night.

    Favorite beverage: Bubbly water for business, Yonder dry hard cider for pleasure.

  • Man in plaid shirt smiling outdoors with greenery in the background.

    Danny Ludwig

    With 21 years in the restaurant industry, Danny Ludwig is a seasoned Executive Chef and General Manager at Woodinville Cut Shop. From 2013 to 2018, he served as Executive Chef at Hecho in Seattle, WA, bringing innovative flavors to the menu. Danny also honed his skills as part of the culinary team at the Michelin-rated Topolobampo in Chicago under celebrity chef Rick Bayless from 2012 to 2013. A graduate of the Kitchen Academy Culinary Arts and Business Program in Sacramento, CA, in 2007, Danny combines culinary expertise with strong business acumen to create exceptional dining experiences.

    Favorite beverage: Limoncello La Croix and Fremont's Head Full of Fresh Hop Hazy IPA

  • Smiling man in a green t-shirt standing against a plain wall.

    Alex Wells

    With a background in Home Brewing, Digital Advertising, Tech, Craft Beer, and hosting Murder Mysteries, Alex is always on the lookout for reasons to bring people together. (Read as Chris Collinsworth) Here's a guy who can brew a beer, build a brand, and still make sure everyone’s Wi-Fi works—because connection is key, after all. Getting the doors of Dwellers Drinkery open would be the start of living his dream. 

    Favorite Beverage: Parish Brewing's "Ghost in the Machine" DIPA or Athletic's Non-Alcoholic "Run Wild" IPA

  • Smiling woman with glasses and blonde hair wearing a light sleeveless top standing against a plain wall.

    Susie Dugan

    Susie's education and experience in branding, graphic and interior design gives her a passion for both form and function. An empathetic extravert at heart, creating connections is Susie's favorite hobby and hopes Dwellers Drinkery can make it her career.

    In her spare time, she's the full time ringleader to toddler twin girls and mom-nurse to 6-year old Jamie. 

    Favorite beverage: Anything that hasn't been backwashed in. Preferably a manhattan, or any flavor Olipop. 

  • Person with brown hair smiling indoors in a room with wooden walls and shelves. The shelves have plants and books. There's a floor lamp beside a small table.

    Missy Dahl

    Missy Dahl combines a fine art education from Gage Academy in Seattle with six years of bartending experience at top venues like Woodinville Cutshop and Hecho, specializing in cocktail menu creation and liquor cost control. With eight years in inside sales at Avvo.com and Ziply, Missy excels in customer engagement and business strategy, bringing a creative and service-oriented approach to every endeavor.

    Favorite beverages: Anything with Amaro, and a great margarita enjoyed with friends.

  • Woman with long brown hair wearing a white shirt smiling at the camera against a plain background.

    Kimberly Wells

    As a massage therapist of 14 years Kimberly has a passion for hospitality, trust-building, and serving clients first and foremost. Inspired by the Dutch word “gezelligheid” (thank you, Ted Lasso), she’s devoted to creating a cozy, welcoming ‘third place’ for all—one that inspires a warm sense of belonging.

    Favorite beverage: Kombucha and French 75. Preferably one in each hand, cheers!

We're Washington natives, experienced hosts, and passionate about creating community over beverages.