Gridiron To The Grill – Minot’s Hometown Hero.

I love a success story, and this is one of them. In his younger days, Dan Lawson went to Bishop Ryan High School in Minot, excelled on the gridiron playing football, then took his talents with him and became a Fighting Sioux at the strong safety position. He graduated from the University of North Dakota earning a degree in criminal justice, and like so many others he pursued the oilfields. For a while, Dan owned and operated a small place serving food and beverages in Ruthville. He then sold Lawdogs and decided to give the oil game another shot. Here is where the classic hometown hero decides to come back to his roots.

The experience and knowledge Lawson gained from running the place in Ruthville stayed with him - therefore the perfect opportunity arose and there was the old Fuddruckers restaurant vacant for some time - 1603 35th Ave - Right there on the corner of a busy street just waiting for someone with street smarts and people skills to swoop in and make it his own. 28 Tastes and Taps were born and Dan brought his Minot charm with him along with a different kind of set-up. “The menu came from all of the places I’ve been, from Texas to Tennessee to Arizona,” explained Lawson. “We’re already known for our burgers and wings and we’ve expanded that with several varieties. We have big, big baked potatoes and even poutine on our menu.” The restaurant business is a tough one, it's a gamble for some - most newly opened eateries don't make it a year.

Next time you are in Minot, be sure to swing by 28 - wear a Bison jersey. he's used to getting teased by those who remember he's a UND Grad - That's what hometown heroes are all about - giving back to their community. 28 is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.