Dawson’s defines loyalty

By Ty Hughes

I’ve met an awful lot of people in my forty-some-odd years on this planet, but there are so very few that I would ever take a bullet for.

You know those people that command more than respect? Without asking, they stir an undying love from those surrounding them. Friends who gather around, hold you up, and collectively make you a better person.

Kenny Bender, owner of Dawson’s Bar & Grill on South Tacoma Way, is one of these fortunate fellas. Kenny’s employees and friends ensure that his best interests are looked after long after he leaves the bar for the day. Why? Because he’s that kind of guy, that’s why.

It’s incredibly heart-warming to listen to the amount of love and devotion Dawson’s regulars show for Kenny. Where most bars are trying to figure out who stole from them, Kenny’s friends keep a helpful eye out on the operations at Dawsons to make sure that his bar runs smoothly and without incident.

Del Kahuli, one of darts earliest followers, is just such a fan of Kenny, as is Jenny, and so many others. They do everything in their power to see that the darts et al go swimmingly each and every time they hold a tournament. Which, by the way, is quite often these days.

How about every Wednesday and Sunday with an after-league $300 Added Bring? Not to mention, a humongous, and super-fun $1000 Payout on the third Saturday each month.

Last month, Del ran the big one, signing up 27 teams for the event, due in large part to the traveling caravan of Chehalis-based dart players up for some real competition. They drove up several vehicles, full of dart players, fifteen in all for some Dawson’s dart action.

How’d they hear about it? Oh, just the same quality publication you hold in your very hands.

Kim and Tony were gearing up to head to Hawaii and get hitched on the beach at sunset just nine days later. Congrats you two!

Del only needed sixteen teams to meet the minimum and guarantee a $1000 payout, but he signed up 27 on April 16. He gets Kenny on the phone, who agrees to add another two-hundred bucks to the pot, increasing the payout to $1200 that night! Now, understand people, this is not something they HAVE to do. They do this in appreciation for you dart players. Not only does Kenny put out a killer spread of free food for his players all the time, he’s always going above and beyond for his faithful dart crowd. And they respond in kind. It’s a beautiful thing yo [wiping a tear].

Whether it’s for the darts, the live music, or just the cute girls, put Dawson’s in your sights for a night out this month. You’ll really dig this place!

Right now they’re giving away two round-trip tickets to Las Vegas for Worlds at their Sunday and Wednesday weekly shoots! Get out here!

Dawson’s Bar & Grill; 5443 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA  98409 – phone (253) 476-1421.

P.S. Like Kenny, Roger Goninan is another one who commands the same level of undying love and support from his patrons. Tacoma’s a lucky bunch.