How we got here
Previously operated as a shaved ice shop and a water refill store, co-owner Chad Sitzmann decided to rebrand the business in 2013 after years of ownership.
As the owner of the chiropractic office next door, Sitzmann was inspired to buy and revamp Hydrate after hearing patients say they had plans to stop by McDonald’s after their appointment for a smoothie.
“I launched the smoothie bar for my patients primarily, but it just kind of took off and it became a thing,” Sitzmann said. “We pride ourselves on [not doing] any of that powdery stuff for any sugars other than what's in the actual fruit themselves.”
The business since opened a second location on the Georgetown square in 2021.
The original location is split into two sections: one deli-style area where customers order and pick up their drinks and food, and another with comfortable, lounge furniture and tables for people looking for a place to do work.
While the business recently built its own base of regulars who walk in for their usual juice, smoothie or sandwich, Sitzmann said some community members have stuck around since the business's early days in the '80s as a water refill station.
“I get people that have since moved away to ranches or whatever and they will drive a few hours from their ranch to come here to get their water,” Sitzmann said. “This is the only water they've been drinking since the '80s, which is incredible.”
Individuals can order an array of smoothies and juices from Funky Monkey and Strawberries Gone Bananas to Beach Party and Tejas Sunset. All orders can be customized, Sitzmann said.
During summer months, diners can look forward to kombucha floats made with dairy-free ice cream.
“I feel like anything that we have in our store may not be exactly the best but it's definitely better than a lot of the alternatives around town and I want to be the one to be able to offer that,” Sitzmann said.
While the offerings at each location are almost identical, Sitzmann said the square location has additional alcoholic beverage options as they have a full liquor license. The original location on Williams Drive has a beer and wine license, and customers can find alcoholic beverages served at their wine bar.
The impact
Sitzmann said the business and its partnerships have grown out of a likemindedness to have more accessible healthy options in the community.
“I wish it would’ve happened 20 years ago but I'm glad it's happening now, and I'm glad we were kind of at the forefront of that," Sitzmann said. "I'm proud to say that, ‘Hey, Georgetown, we were here and we've had your back giving you the highest quality products we possibly could for over 12 years.’”
- 2502C Williams Drive, Georgetown; 711 S. Main St., Georgetown
- www.hydratetexas.com
