Dan Gearig is a serial restaurant entrepreneur. (And yes, we’re saying that like it’s a good thing.) In his 20s he bought a little pizzeria in Fenton, Michigan, called Pro Pizza. Past customers still rave about the famous Pro Dip that was served with breadsticks.
Later, Dan started a film and production catering company called Chow Catering, and they provided food on the set for hundreds of motion picture films, commercials and videos—all out of full-service catering trucks. His reputation earned him the honor of being Eminem’s exclusive caterer for eight years.
Later, he and his wife and business partner Lindsay started the first licensed food truck in Detroit, called El Guapo.
“My approach to food has always been to use quality products, prepped with a light hand,” said Dan. “I strive to bring out the flavor of each ingredient.”
Now, the couple share their inventive restaurant concepts with Durango. In a leap of faith, arriving in 2019, the Gearigs decided to make Durango their permanent home (and not just their repeat vacation destination). They initially purchased and revamped Mountain Taco and changed its name to Switchback, where they serve Mexican-inspired street food. That menu features elote, queso dip, quesadillas, tacos, salads and much more. The same gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, fast, affordable, and ethical options that started at Switchback are applied at their newest adventure, Famburger.
Bringing Detroit’s white-porcelain metal hamburger joints to Durango is what Dan and Lindsay had in mind when opening Famburger in June 2021. The goal is to serve fast and affordable hamburgers, Coney dogs, onion rings, shakes, floats, fries and ice cream. “We source non-frozen meat and other ingredients to create an actual ‘happy meal’,” said Dan. “With our walk-up window for outdoor seating, you can enjoy all of the sunny days that Durango has to offer.”
Not surprisingly, the Gearig’s value fast and friendly service in their banking relationship, too. “We love banking with Alpine,” said Dan. “Their customer service is top-notch!”
Learn more at theoriginalfamburger.com and switchbacktaco.com.
“We love banking with Alpine. Their customer service is top-notch!”
Dan Gearig, Famburger
Famburger is a Small & Mighty contribution to the community of Durango. To learn more about our Small & Mighty business highlights click here.
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