Matt graduated from Coppell High School and then went on to attend the University of Texas at Arlington. His love for food started 13 years ago when he first worked as a cook at a local restaurant in Valley Ranch. Throughout his career, he has held nearly every position there is to hold inside of a restaurant. His love for the food stems from its constant evolution. One day it’s new preparations for food, creating new craft cocktails and so forth. The “what’s next” factor keeps him on his toes and striving to master his craft.
He spent a few years at the Gaylord Texan where he grew professionally while running Paradise Springs Resort Pool and the Glass Cactus Night Club. Matt is currently in charge of overseeing the food and beverage program at the AC Hotel and the Residence Inn Hotel, as well as banquets for the whole property. Matt and his team are also working on creating a new menu of seasonal craft cocktails for the hotel.
When Matt’s not working you can catch him on the golf course, spending time with his kids and family, grilling out and trying new restaurants. Read ahead to find out his local favorites!
Foodie Favorite: Legacy Hall
As a foodie enthusiast, his favorite go-to place is Legacy Hall at Legacy West. He loves that there you can find much variety of food from all over the world. Matt enjoys the live music, great drinks and the tons of shops you can browse from. “I love to go get one thing from a few of the different restaurants and create my own meal,” Swan tells us. “This way I get to try different types of food in one sitting.”
Cocktail Culture: Community Brewery
Within the cocktail culture, Matt enjoys going to local breweries to see and hear their stories. His favorite one is Community Brewery in Dallas. If you haven’t tried their beer or been to the brewery, he suggests you put it on your to-do list. “It’s awesome to see how far they have come in such a short time,” Matt says about Community Brewery in Dallas. “Not only do they deliver an amazing product, but they also give back to their community.”Artistic Addiction: Brandon "DJSC" Williams
His love for different artists, especially with music, started when he was managing Glass Cactus and had to book the talent for the nightclub. He met several local artists, but the one that always stood out to him was Brandon “DJSC” Williams. His ability to adapt to any crowd and change the whole vibe of a venue is astonishing. “His drive to be the best makes him the best in Dallas, if you haven’t been to see him live you should follow him and catch a show. He does not disappoint.”
Brain Candy: Ross Perot Museum
One of his favorite places to go to let his brain go into overload is the Ross Perot Museum in downtown Dallas. It starts when you first look at the amazing architecture from the outside of the building. Then you walk in and get to see all of the different exhibits. Matt feels like it’s a great place to take kids or a date. They have some many different exhibits that allow you to interact with whomever you’re with. You can even race a Cheetah or a T-Rex!