After years of owning and operating Lucky’s Pub, Travis Adair and Anthony Wegmann were ready for a new family-friendly venture.
Frio River Hog Wings are a popular appetizer.[/caption]
After purchasing a 5-acre plot off Mueschke Road more than a year ago, the duo envisioned parents sharing craft cocktails around fire pits while children played on the lawn, friends enjoying Sunday brunch on the patio and private events in the wine room.
“It’s a complete 180 from Lucky’s Pub,” Wegmann said. “Maybe that’s because we have 10-year-olds now, and we have a little different mindset.”
Since opening Jan. 7, families have enjoyed interacting in a relaxed environment reminiscent of the Texas Hill Country, Adair said. Frio Grill opened in a 110-year-old home, which the owners have worked to renovate since last May.
The Cactus Jack Garner Chop is served with creamy garlic smash.[/caption]
“I go to the Frio [River] about five times a year, and this area had that look,” Adair said. “It doesn’t look like Cypress. It’s a place people can still come out but feel at home—kind of like a backyard, but not your backyard.”
When the owners started developing a Texas-inspired comfort food menu, they shared dishes inspired by family recipes. Chef Cody Hix joined the team and helped refine recipes.
For instance, Wegmann pitched an idea for stuffed chicken, and Hix decided to add Hatch chile and smoked Gouda. He also added smoked brisket to the fried macaroni and cheese.
“It’s all fresh and as locally sourced as we can get it,” Adair said. “We’re talking about expanding that and curing our own meats, growing herbs on-site and things of that nature.”
The team is working to develop the large barn on the back of the property into a venue for live music and small weddings. Adair said games will stream outside during football season.
“We wanted to get away from that cookie-cutter environment and make it a great place to hang out, not just to eat,” Adair said.
The Frio Hill Country Grill 16410 Mueschke Road, Cypress 281-256-3746 www.friogrill.com Hours: Tue.-Sat. 5-10 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 4-9 p.m., Closed Mondays
