Allison White from Sip Downtown Brasserie

Tri State Time Machine

We welcome Allison White, the owner of Sip Downtown Brasserie, a beloved establishment in Huntington.

Allison's story is one of passion, determination, and a deep love for food and wine.

She began her career as an accountant, but her love for culinary arts led her to culinary school, where she discovered her passion for wine. After moving back to Huntington, she seized the opportunity to purchase Sip Wine Bar, which had been a small venue with only 24 seats and limited food offerings. Fast forward nine years, and Allison has transformed Sip into a thriving restaurant with 120 seats and a reputation for excellent service and delicious food.

Throughout the episode, Allison shares the challenges she faced in the early days of running her restaurant. From figuring out the intricacies of restaurant management to learning how to hire and train staff, Allison's journey is a testament to the hard work and dedication required to succeed in the restaurant industry.

She emphasizes the importance of community support and how giving back has helped her build a loyal customer base.

You are going to hear about the various events hosted at Sip, including wine dinners that offer guests a unique culinary experience.

Allison discusses her approach to curating a menu that reflects the tastes of the community while also educating patrons about food and wine pairings.

She shares memorable customer stories, including couples who have celebrated significant moments at Sip, reinforcing the idea that dining is not just about food, but about creating lasting memories. For anyone interested in entrepreneurship,

Allison offers valuable advice on the importance of hustle and resilience in building a successful business. She highlights the need to adapt and grow, particularly in the face of challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. With exciting events on the horizon, including the Siptacular Wine Festival, Allison invites everyone to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Sip Downtown Brasserie.

(01:00) The Journey of Sip Downtown Brasserie

(05:30) Challenges in the Early Days

(10:00) The Role of Community Support

(15:00) A Day in the Life of a Restaurant Owner

(20:00) Catering and Future Plans

(25:00) Memorable Customer Stories

(30:00) Marketing Strategies

(35:00) Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

(40:00) Upcoming Events

This episode is sponsored by Alex R. White, PLLC.

If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at [email protected]. Or post a comment on the Tri-State Machine FB Group page.

Welcome to the Tri-State Time Machine.

I'm your host Vanessa Hankins. This is a podcast where my guests and I share our memories and present day stories of the Tri-State Area. That's West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio.

Nothing too serious, no political views, and no ulterior motives.

We're just here to share our fun stories about this great area.

Whether you're a past resident or a current Tri-State resident, I think you're going to have fun with us.

So join in, press play on your podcast player, and welcome to the Tri-State Time Machine!

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https://ts-time-machine.captivate.fm/episode/allison-white-from-sip-downtown-brasserie

Copyright 2025 Vanessa Hankins

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