Originally built in 1871, the building was operated as a saloon under several names before eventually becoming the Phoenix Saloon in 1895, according to Ross Fortune.
In 1892, William Gebhardt opened a cafe in the back of the building and developed what became his famous chili powder called Tampico Dust, according to the Texas State Historical Association.
In 1896, Gebhardt began selling the chili powder throughout Central Texas before opening a factory in San Antonio in 1898 and expanding his sales throughout the country.
In 1918, prohibition led to the closure of the saloon and the building was used as a department store, antique shop and print center before the Fortunes purchased the property.
Ross Fortune, who had a career in the music industry in England, worked with his wife to transform the saloon into a historic restaurant and live music venue.
“It was a treasure trove of materials that we put back and kind of repurposed,” Ross Fortune said. “The main part of our renovation wasn’t to add anything, it was to strip it back to reveal what has always been there.”
The saloon reopened on Feb. 26, 2010, with regular live music performances and a menu that includes the bar’s famous chili.
“I think it’s important that historic buildings like ours, particularly in the downtown, I think it’s important that they survive and prosper,” Fortune said. “It kind of gives us a sense of roots and acknowledgment to the history and heritage and culture of the town.”
In addition to house-made chili powder, customers can order traditional or vegetarian chili, hamburgers, sandwiches and more while enjoying live music throughout the week.
“We want to be the friendliest bar in town,” Fortune said. “Although you’ve got the music and the food and the history, we want people’s experience to be one of having been treated well and having a good time.”
Phoenix Saloon
193 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels
830-643-1400
www.thephoenixsaloon.com
Hours: Mon.-Tue. 3 p.m.-midnight, Wed.-Fri. 11:30 a.m.-midnight, Sat. 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m., Sun. noon-midnight
