David Reynolds always had a plan, and it was always centered around music.

“I always wanted to do something with music because it’s a really big part of my life,” he said.

After graduating from the University of Arkansas, he told his father, Ron, his vision for a property along US 75.

“Whenever I got out [of school], this property became available. My granddad built the hotel next door,” Reynolds, a Sherman native, said.

“This was a Denny’s, and they went bankrupt,” he said. At the time, Texas country [music] was getting its start. A lot of these guys that are big now were just getting started. [My dad] didn’t know what Texas country was, and I was like, ‘Willie [Nelson], Waylon [Jennings] and Merle [Haggard], but the next phase.’”

Reynolds proposed opening a bar and restaurant venue with a “Texas country” theme, a spot where up-and-coming artists could play and where patrons could get good food and cold refreshments and hear great music. The restaurant has been in business for 16 years with this idea, Reynolds said.

The spot still needed a name, so Reynolds named it after Hank, his beloved English bulldog. Hank’s memory endures even now through a plethora of bulldog-related kitsch, including a metal sign of a bulldog with a guitar in the bar area and a portrait of Hank near the main entrance of the restaurant.

Something else Reynolds takes immense pride in is that, being a family business, Hank’s has a family feel. From staff to customers, everyone is part of a friendly, welcoming vibe at the bustling spot, he said.

“[We’re] bringing music to the people,” Reynolds said. “I know 30 people that have gotten married here. ... It’s family-oriented in a different way. [The restaurant] is kind of like Texas country’s version of ‘Cheers.’”