Pflugerville family eatery is a town staple

For 16 years, Kathy Lorenz has been playfully teasing diners at Springhill Restaurant to "Sit down and enjoy their meals already."

Despite the humor, Lorenz said it's these customers that have helped make her job enjoyable throughout the years.

"We have a great group of regulars, dedicated people that come here," Lorenz said. "People say they feel like they're at home: We say, 'Sit down, shut up and eat.'"

Springhill Restaurant, located on Pecan Street in Pflugerville, serves American food staples such as fried catfish, chicken-fried steak and fried shrimp. In addition to fried dishes, the restaurant also has healthier options such as baked chicken and a salad bar.

Lisa Perez, restaurant manager since 2009, said the fried catfish remains the most popular menu item. The chicken-fried steak, which comes with creamy white gravy, as well as appetizers such as onion rings and fried green tomatoes are also favorites among customers, she said.

Carroll and Linda Humphrey opened Springhill Restaurant in Pflugerville in 1985. While other Springhill Restaurant locations have since opened and closed, Perez said the Pflugerville location has remained popular with locals.

"I know the biggest advertisement is that we have been here forever and ever," Perez said.

The restaurant's interior is filled with signs, lights, T-shirts and pictures. The most recent addition is a lamp Carroll hung above the table at which he eats.

"I've worked here for five years, and I'll walk by something and think, 'Whoa, I've never seen that before,'" Perez said.

Lorenz said the friendly atmosphere could be one reason people have returned to the restaurant since the '80s.

"It's funny—I've seen people come in here who were teenagers who are now married with kids of their own," she said, laughing. "I'm like, 'Oh my gosh, I've been here for 16 years!'"

Lunch buffet

The lunch buffet is Springhill Restaurant's most popular feature, Manager Lisa Perez said.

The buffet is available daily and features more than 10 options, including chicken-fried steak, fried catfish, baked chicken, a salad bar and fresh fruit. The buffet, which lasts from 11 a.m.–2 p.m., costs $12.45, tax and drink included.

2505 W. Pecan St., Pflugerville, 512-251-0159, www.springhillcatfish.com