Brendan Dobbin, General Manager, Flour + Water Pizzeria, Ne Timeas Restaurant Group (USA)

Years In Industry:
18 years. I grew up in Houston Texas, with the dream of being a multi-sport professional like Bo Jackson (partial inspiration for my son's name - Beaux). During my finance degree at Texas Southern University, hospitality jobs funded my tuition and ignited my passion for food and wine. From the legendary Katz’s Deli Bar and Grill to Max’s Wine Dive, I gained a great appreciation for wine. Heading West in 2013 for an internship at Amici Winery in Napa Valley, then headed to San Francisco and haven’t looked back.

I successfully completed the Certified Sommelier Exam in 2015 while working with some of San Francisco’s top restaurants in GM and Sommelier/Beverage Director roles. Currently I’m managing the new venture for the Ne Timeas Restaurant Group at Flour + Water Pizzeria. Above all, my top job is being a fit dad to my son, Beaux Charles, and my partner Monique, who is my wellness motivator. #MakeDadBodsGreatAgain

My Biggest Challenge To Wellness:
Diet & Booze! Working in hospitality, I’m consistently faced with instant pleasures in the form of inebriation and unhealthy food. Time (lack thereof) and fatigue are major challenges to achieving my fitness and wellbeing goals. When I’m tired and stressed from the long hours and guests’ neurosis, it's easy and convenient to just give in.

It’s difficult to be a morning person working late nights. My gym closed its childcare facility which now prevents me from being able to get in a gym session on days off with my son.

How I Keep It Together To Stay Well:
For me it’s reminding myself of the mantra “discipline is freedom”. I can say no to free food. I don’t have to decompress with booze after every long shift. It’s fun, but the hangover, drunk eating, and fatigue is real!
Knowing I can’t get quality exercise and function at the highest level as a dad if I indulge in alcohol and gluttonous food, keeps me motivated to moderate and keep those bad habits in check.

I run, lift weights, shoot hoops and box for energy and muscle sculpting, and a weekly sauna to help detox. I take a pre- workout dietary supplement in the morning for endurance, and magnesium at night for natural calm. Family time and watching my son grow every day is the joy of life, and a little Nextfix and chill with Monique.

You can connect with Brendan on Instagram at @fitdadsf