Hotspot brings nightlife to downtown Kyle

James Rios took notice of Kyle voters' overwhelming approval of relaxed alcohol restrictions in 2012. Before that vote, bars were illegal in the city limits, and at least 51 percent of restaurants' revenue had to come from food sales.

"Had they not [voted for relaxed restrictions] I would not be open," said Rios, who opened Centerfield Sports Bar & Grill in Kyle in December. "I love food, and I love offering great food, but in order for me to offer my food at moderate prices, I have to be able to make a profit in other places."

Those "other places" Rios referred to include staples such as margaritas and draft beer as well as original cocktails such as the Sexi Mexi, a tequila creation from Bar Manager Evelyn Fowler.

Centerfield obtained the first mixed-beverage permit in Kyle in 2012, and Rios said the response has been overwhelming. Kyle residents have welcomed the bar's easygoing atmosphere, wide selection of drinks and freshly prepared entrees, Rios said.

"We're trying to bring a different environment for everyone every time," he said. "We want everyone to go to Centerfield, whether you need to have a lunch meeting or you just got done playing a round of golf and want to have a couple of beers."

To that end, Rios makes sure the restaurant's entertainment offerings are as diverse as its crowd. Centerfield turns into a piano bar on Wednesday nights, a DJ-led dance club on Saturdays and a karaoke bar on Sundays.

General Manager Davey Pearce said the staff tries to bring the "laid-back, Austin energy" to Kyle without sacrificing the establishment's family-friendliness.

"We let people be who they are," Pearce said. "We're going to let you have a little fun, but we're not going to let you annoy the families that have kids."

The restaurant's menu, which was designed by a trained chef, has helped the restaurant catch on, too. Pearce said the popularity of the margherita pizza has exceeded his expectations, and Centerfield's hamburgers have come up in "best burger in Texas" conversations.

Diana Blank, director of economic development for the city of Kyle, said the business' success has had a ripple effect throughout Kyle.

"It helps show the demand the community has for those types of businesses and helps us recruit those types of businesses," Blank said. "At the same time, their success is great because it has encouraged more foot traffic downtown."

So far Rios' business plan is working. The business is running smoothly, and he has expansion in mind. He is hoping that with the blessing of the city's planning and zoning department, he will be able to add a rooftop deck to Centerfield by the fall.

Rios' attention recently turned to another building in downtown Kyle he thought might be ripe for a new business, but for now, Rios said he plans to focus on his existing businesses, which also includes Cleveland's in Buda and Cielo night club in Austin.

"Whether it's the drinks, the menu or the customer service, whatever brings you back to Centerfield, we're going to keep trying to do whatever we can to make it the best that it can be," he said.

Centerfield Sports Bar & Grill, 200 W. Center St., Kyle, 512-268-1400, Hours: Mon.–Tue. 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Wed.–Fri. 11 a.m.–midnight, Sat. 11 a.m.–1 a.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–midnight