2021 Year in Review: Dimitra Murphy, Owner, Daddy Jones Bar & Restaurant

What was the biggest lesson you learned while working during the pandemic? I wear two hats, professionally. I own a neighborhood restaurant in Somerville (and the real estate that it is located on). I am also a real estate agent, dealing with both residential and commercial. On the restaurant side, I learned the importance of being nimble and to make adjustments to meet the COVID restrictions imposed. That meant converting to outdoor dining for a good part of 2021, and strengthening our online and takeout options for customers.

What was your greatest professional accomplishment or most notable project, deal, or transaction in 2021? Truthfully, the accomplishment I’m proud of is getting to connect with my restaurant guests and extend that to my real estate career. I’ve been proud to be able to show my children a mom who balances multiple careers and really have the chance to expand my ability to help people.

How has your working environment changed over the last year? The real estate market continues to be a strong seller’s market, and we don’t see signs of it slowing down. So far, interest rates have stayed low for financing, although we are all watching to see what lies in store with new proposed taxes and what impact that may have on the market.

What are your predictions for your industry in 2022? Consumers will balance caution in the face of rising COVID numbers, which we all hope are temporary, against a desire to return to a more normal existence. We should see an uptick in the restaurant business as well as real estate.

What is the best advice you have received, and who was it from? The best advice I received this year is to be proud of both my careers. Instead of thinking of them as completely separate, I treat them as complimentary to each other. Hospitality is about caring for others, and that same care exists in real estate.