Impacts UpdatePhoto by Wes Ferguson

Owner Cody Couch said business is outpacing expectations at Cody's Bistro.

Cody's Bistro & Lounge owner Cody Couch has paid his dues in the San Marcos dining world.

Starting when he was 17 years old, Couch worked in more than half a dozen restaurants and bars—including managerial stints at Palmer's, the Embassy Suites and Jason's Deli—before opening his own place in late October.

"I've been a dishwasher to waiting tables to bartender to everything," Couch said.

He said business at Cody's Bistro is outpacing revenue targets, attracting a clientele with a simple menu of fresh food and drinks served in an upscale setting.

"I want a mature bar in this town, where you can have a fun time but not get crazy like you were downtown," he said.

The bistro is benefiting from early buzz, Couch said, but he added that he hopes to avoid the plateau that traps many establishments after they've been open a couple of months.

"When you're the new place, everyone wants to try you out," he said. "You can't be complacent. We're always making changes and getting busier every day."

Couch said he prepares the dressings, pestos, soups and everything else on the bistro's menu in-house.

"I don't have a freezer, so I really base my food on something that's simple and consistent," he said. "Everything's fresh. The clientele I'm going for appreciates that, and they can taste it."