Round Rock restaurateur keeps dollars, flavors local

When Rob Snow, Greenhouse Craft Food founder and chef, opened his restaurant in Round Rock in October, he said he had a feeling the city was ready for something fresh.

Snow, a native of the Houston area who earned his culinary stripes working in restaurants in Las Vegas and Austin, said suburbs such as Round Rock are typically dominated by chain eateries. He said he wanted to create a unique restaurant that made use of local flavors and ingredients.

"It's kind of a challenge to do something new in the suburbs, but I felt like people were hungry for it," Snow said. "I was hungry for it. I live up here, and I know there's a lot of other people that are like me that want to eat something that's not [from] one of those chain restaurants."

Snow leased a space that was previously occupied by another restaurant, meaning the kitchen was mostly outfitted when Greenhouse moved in, he said. The restaurant opened Oct. 5, offering dishes made with ingredients sourced from local and state vendors and served in a relaxed atmosphere.

"I call it 'casual farm-to-table,'" Snow said. "I want people to feel very comfortable."

Snow said Greenhouse's local focus is a key part of his culinary and business philosophy. Buying from local farmers, brewers, dairies and wineries keeps money flowing through the local economy and supports the community, Snow said. He said developing relationships with vendors also ensures the ingredients are of high quality.

"I know the world is one big world, but I would rather my money stay close to home," Snow said. "It's also knowing that you can trust the person that's growing or raising or butchering. You can trust that person because you know they live a few miles down the road. Most of [my suppliers] I've met eye to eye and shaken their hands."

Snow said Round Rock diners are becoming more open to new styles of food as the area grows. People are looking for a place to get wholesome, affordable food without having to travel to downtown Austin, Snow said. That greater acceptance—as well as strong community interest in Greenhouse in its first months of operation—has Snow optimistic about the future of his business.

"We've been very lucky to get support from the local community, and I feel honored to be able to give back to the local community by sourcing locally and hiring people that live here in Round Rock—whatever we can do to make this community stronger," Snow said.

Now open Scarlet Rabbit

Rob Snow, founder of Greenhouse Craft Food restaurant, opened his second restaurant, The Scarlet Rabbit, on July 1. Located at 410 W. Main St. on the west end of downtown, the restaurant is what Snow describes as a "Texas bistro."

The restaurant is a joint venture between Snow and chef Rich Taylor, former executive chef of Quality Seafood in Austin. The menu includes gourmet takes on many traditional Texas dishes.

1400 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Ste. 110, Round Rock

512-366-5567, www.greenhousecraftfood.com, Hours: Mon.–Thu. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m.