As the owner of the first bar in the Historic Downtown Katy Square, Bill Fanning said his goal in establishing Katy Crossing Icehouse was maintaining the charm of a small town.

“We wanted to repurpose a lot of the materials [and] build on the rich history of Katy with the train theme,” Fanning said. “[We wanted to] make it a classy date night kind of place that you can also bring your family. I think we've achieved that.”
Bill Fanning said he's proud to have fostered a place that is welcoming and maintains Katy's 'old town charm.' (Asia Armour/Community Impact)
Bill Fanning said he's proud to have fostered a place that is welcoming and maintains Katy's 'old town charm.' (Asia Armour/Community Impact)
Who it's for

Katy Crossing’s “surprisingly popular” bingo nights and its support of local live bands and food trucks have made the venue a community hub, Fanning said.

“The intent that my wife and I had was to build a place where family and friends could gather,” Fanning said. “[The city] is drawing more attention to the square. ... Little by little that old town charm is getting discovered.”
Owner Bill Fanning credits his wife for creating a cozy ambience for guests. (Asia Armour/Community Impact)
Fanning credits his wife for creating a cozy ambience for guests. (Asia Armour/Community Impact)
Staying local

Located across the street from City Hall and the Katy Civic Center, the long-awaited Katy Crossing Icehouse was converted from a bank. Repurposing the space caused some construction delays, but it opened to the public in February 2023, Fanning said.


Fanning said he works with the city to provide libations for events and other area business owners, who host the monthly Katy Market Days.

“We work together [and] we are face-to-face with the community,” Fanning said. “We do functions for the community, charities for the community—we're invested in the community. It's not the same for the bigger [chain] stores.”
Specialty drinks like the blueberry lemonade, made with blueberry-infused vodka and real fruit, rotate every season. (Asia Armour/Community Impact)
Specialty drinks such as the blueberry lemonade, made with blueberry-infused vodka and real fruit, rotate every season. (Asia Armour/Community Impact)
It's 5 o’clock somewhere

Katy Crossing Icehouse has a large patio for kids to play and parents to listen to live music. Its drink menu includes wines, beers and seasonal craft cocktails, including a blueberry lemonade made with blueberry-infused vodka.

The bar also hosts local groups, such as women business owners, and events, such as birthdays and bridal parties. Once, there was even a baby kangaroo at the bar for customers to interact with, he said.


Fanning said he loves fostering a place where residents feel “cozy and safe.”

“The biggest draw for us is that there really is something for everyone,” Fanning said. “My wife and I have gotten to meet a lot of people, we come here for our own date nights. I have a great staff, and they all like each other. It's just fun.”