We had the good fortune of connecting with Soflodining Chef Dan & Doris Withad and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi SoFloDining, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Over the years, we have become increasingly disillusioned with online restaurant reviews. It seems that many of them are nothing more than paid advertisements, giving an unfair advantage to businesses with deep pockets. This leaves smaller, independent restaurants struggling to get noticed.
As avid travelers, we have experienced this frustration firsthand, more times than we actually ever expected. Sifting through countless reviews filled with irrelevant complaints about parking or wait times, it has become nearly impossible to find reliable recommendations for good food. It seems like these platforms have become a sounding board for entitled customers to vent their frustrations rather than provide helpful feedback.
This frustration inspired us to create a platform dedicated to helping people find great places to eat. With the decline of traditional print media, small businesses need affordable ways to reach potential customers. Our solution was to create an online magazine. We lovingly named it SoFloDining which offers a Solution by Providing Free Restaurant Reviews, with No Set-up Cost and totally affordable advertising options tailored to each of their individual needs.
We believe everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed, and we’re committed to providing a platform where quality and passion shine through, not just deep pockets.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We carefully review restaurants, much like those found on platforms like Yelp and Google, but we go further by thoroughly investigating their health reports before even considering a visit. This rigorous criteria ensures we only endorse establishments that meet the highest standards.

Furthermore, we foster long-term relationships with the restaurants we select. We view them as family and continue to actively promote their offerings. The genuine appreciation and gratitude we receive from these businesses when we walk in the door, are our greatest rewards.

Breaking the mold demands perseverance and constant adaptation. It’s undeniably challenging, but ultimately more fulfilling than simply conforming. This commitment to originality is evident in the extensive research we conduct to understand our competitive landscape, ensuring our content remains fresh and unique.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
“For visiting friends, we’d prioritize an authentic South Florida experience. We’d kick off their trip with a scenic drive along Fort Lauderdale Beach, starting at the legendary Elbow Room for a classic beach bar vibe. Continuing north along A1A, we’d head towards the iconic Hillsboro Lighthouse, soaking in the coastal views.
Lunch at the relaxed Seaside Grill would follow, before returning to Coconut Creek to freshen up. In the evening, we’d indulge in an elegant yet relaxed dinner at Incontro Italian Restaurant.
Day two would be dedicated to experiencing Fort Lauderdale’s waterways via the Water Taxi. We’d hop off in Hollywood, explore the vibrant boardwalk, and grab a bite at Le Tub, famous for its burgers. The evening would conclude with a nightcap at the Boatyard.
Day three would find us strolling along the charming Las Olas Boulevard, browsing the shops and soaking in the local atmosphere. We’d savor an early dinner at Louis Bossie, a Fort Lauderdale institution.
Day four would take us to Wilton Manors, a vibrant LGBTQ+ community with unique shops and restaurants. We’d have a delicious dinner at either Rosie’s Bar & Grill, La Mexicana, Mamma Mia Bistro, or one of the many other enticing options.
On day five, we’d head to Delray Beach, exploring its vibrant boulevard, visiting the intriguing Pinball Museum or the Civil War Museum, and enjoying a sophisticated drink at The Colony Hotel with the legendary Santie.
Day six would be another beach day, starting with drinks at the Wreck Bar while watching the mermaids swimming gracefully. We’d then embark on the Jungle Queen Riverboat tour, experiencing the “Venice of America” and enjoying a delicious barbecue buffet on board.
The final day would be dedicated to retail therapy at the expansive Sawgrass Mills Mall. Afterwards, we’d head to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, browse the local shops, grab a souvenir at Beach King, and cap off the trip with a memorable dinner at Aruba, enjoying live music and the ocean breeze.”

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
“To the incredible people in our lives who fuel our fire: Words can’t express our gratitude. You’ve seen our potential, believed in us, and constantly pushed us to grow. Your support, encouragement, and unwavering faith have lifted us to unimaginable heights.

Papa Joe instilled in me the value of independent work, urging me to break free from corporate constraints and pursue my true calling. Mama Judy, our rock, provides invaluable guidance, keeping our content focused and efficient. PJ, Jake, Alex, and Mila inspire us to strive for greatness and leave a lasting legacy. Janette and Lynette offer unwavering support during setbacks, sharing their professional expertise and enriching our journey.

You’ve taught us the true meaning of perseverance, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams, while emphasizing the importance of family, unity, understanding, and giving back. This one’s for all of you!

With heartfelt gratitude,”

Website: https://soflodining.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soflodining/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/StudioAdmin

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChefDanDiaz/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk_ag1T04b7yhtsl6jVKj7A

Other: FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/463987700875770
ONLINE MAGAZINE https://soflodining.com/the-soflodining-newsletter/
PANDORA https://www.pandora.com/podcast/south-florida-dining/all-about-soflodining/PE:1207427134
I HEART RADIO https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-south-florida-dining-103227818/
OUR MEDIA PAGE https://soflodining.com/soflodining-com-your-gateway-to-south-floridas-culinary-scene/

Image Credits
All photos are taken by us.

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