PATRICK KWIATKOWSKI

OPERATIONS - MARKETING - CIDER MAKER - PARTNER

Born and raised in Michigan, in the heart of apple country, Patrick has lived in Houston for 20 years and is a longtime home-brewer and cider maker. He has experience in three tier distribution, e-commerce, social marketing, traditional sales and marketing, imports, exports, and chemical processes in production. Kwiatkowski has connections to Michigan apple growers and cider specialists and ties to Normandy France – the world’s largest cider producing region.

MATHEW SMITH

CIDER MAKER - APPLE SUPPLIER - PARTNER 

Born and raised in central New York State along the southern shore of Lake Ontario, Mat spent summers working the Smith family apple farm. Mat is a 3rd generation apple grower and cidermaker, and cider is a personal connection to his family and the land that provided for it for so many years. Mat has lived in Houston for 22 years and while cider has up until now been a passion and hobby, it has become apparent that he is uniquely positioned to leverage his connections to the apple industry and specialists in New York State to facilitate a cider production operation in Texas. He recently purchased a new orchard dedicated to cultivating cider apples.  

CLAY WATSON

HEAD BREWER - PARTNER

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, over 10 years ago Clay’s youngest brother introduced him to homebrewing, and his passion for beer began to grow. Since then, Clay has become City Orchard’s Brewmaster and loves developing new beers.  What does beer, research and Macgyver have in common? This guy!

DANNY FROUNFELKNER

GENERAL MANAGER

A native of Northern California, Danny grew up next to Napa Valley and quickly developed an affinity for vineyards and apple orchards. He eventually made his way to Houston to take on the position of Beverage Director for Royal Oaks Country Club, where he specialized in creating, planning, and executing wine-centered events. Soon after, he joined Goody Goody Liquor as a Wine Consultant and then moved up quickly to open Goody Goody Liquor’s flagship retail store in Houston as Store Manager.  Danny also was the Beverage Director at Tiny Boxwoods and Tiny No. 5 as well as with Adair Concepts (Eloise Nichols Grill & Liquors, Adair Kitchen, and Bebidas). Most recently, he served as Wine Director for Agricole Hospitality’s three EaDo concepts (Indianola, Miss Carousel, and Vinny’s). For inquiries in carrying our cider, email Danny at danny@cityorchardhtx.com or call 832-648-7775.

ERIK KLEINSCHMIDT

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER - EVENT COORDINATOR

Erik Kleinschmidt joined the City Orchard team in November of 2019. He brings over ten years of industry experience and a great deal of enthusiasm to the position. Getting his start in the industry as a bartender and server right out of high school, he made the transition to management early in his career. While he was not really a "cider person" before taking the position, he was quickly converted by City Orchard and their incredible, growing, line of products. City Orchard is the fifth restaurant concept he has been involved with and he hopes that it will be his last. If you are ever visiting our beautiful taproom please do not hesitate to say hi or to ask for help. Erik is always ready, willing, and able to help make sure that you leave City Orchard with a new appreciation for cider and a smile on your face. For event inquiries, email Erik at erik@cityorchardhtx.com or call 832-648-7773.