The Porch Pour continues to raise glasses
MIDLOTHIAN – From within a historic Victorian home in the heart of downtown Midlothian, The Porch Pour accomplishes a particular objective: bring fine dining to a community as close as family.
Ashton Schaffer, who is partnered with her mother Tawny Schaffer, opened The Porch Pour in March 2022. According to Schaffer, the idea came about after her mother discovered the house where the business now sits and having an idea to address a need Schaffer had encountered her whole life.
“I grew up in Midlothian,” Schaffer said. “When I was growing up, we always had to drive to Dallas when we wanted, like, a nicer meal, because all that was in Midlothian was really fried chicken and fast food. So, after years of my mom being frustrated with that problem, right? She really wanted to start something.”
In the years since the business opened, The Porch Pour has strived to follow through on the experience that the Schaffers wanted to bring to Midlothian.
“We were very passionate about having fresh food,” Schaffer said. “We're getting all of our beef and all of our pork from my great uncle’s farm and bringing it down every six weeks. We just wanted everything fresh and unique and better for you, you know.”
Schaffer’s focus has been on continued improvement and outside-of-the-box thinking in order to succeed, making sure that her establishment is always taking the best opportunities.
“We make our own candles now,” Schaffer said. “I think from day one, our mentality has been, ‘We're gonna stay flexible.’ Anytime somebody has an idea, let's do it.”
Going into another year of the business, Schaffer is adopting a new thought process she believes will continue to help foster the change and growth she is constantly striving for.
“I’m most excited to start letting myself appreciate it more,” Schaffer said. “Living in it more and being proud more. You know, there’s a calmness that comes with that, and I want to get better at that.”
The Porch Pour is located at 319 E. Avenue G. Visit its website here.
Written by McGlauthon Fleming IV, ITKE correspondent.
