Restaurant focuses on providing family fun
Augustus took the jug back to the porch and placed his rope-bottomed chair so as to utilize the smidgin of shade he had to work with. As the sun sank, the shade would gradually extend itself across the porch, the wagon yard, Hat Creek, Lonesome Dove and, eventually, the Rio Grande.
One of the opening lines in Larry McMurtrys Western novel Lonesome Dove, the book that inspired owner Drew Gressett to name his restaurant Hat Creek Burger Co., encompasses what Gressett envisions his business becoming.
We are striving to become a place where families can bring their kids, sit in a rocking chair and have a beer, said Gressett, who opened the restaurant as an Austin food trailer in 2008. As we have evolved, we are focusing more and more on family. Every decision we have made is about what it does for our family concept.
More than six months after opening the Georgetown location Nov. 8, Gressett said he is appreciative of the communitys response.
Things have been fantastic, he said. Weve been well-received by Georgetown, and we certainly enjoy being there. Weve had a lot of families and kids coming through [the restaurant].
Along with bringing the restaurants flavor to Georgetown, the new location also became the first of his three restaurants to serve breakfast, including breakfast sandwiches, breakfast tacos, a yogurt bar and pancakes, Gressett said.
Its something weve always wanted to do, he said. It goes along with what we are doing, which is providing fellowship for families whether thats before school or on the weekends.
Adults visiting the establishment can choose from a selection of craft beers, but Gressett said the addition of a brewery at the West Lake Hills location will lead to draft beer bars at every Hat Creek restaurant.
Gressett said he began working with Austin-based Strangeland Brewery after being introduced to the owners through mutual friends. The brewery is setting up shop in a building located just behind the Hat Creek West Lake Hills location.
The Georgetown Hat Creek Burger Co. location, as well as the Burnet Road and West Lake Hills locations, will feature a bar with both Strangeland and Hat Creek labels, Gressett said. The Georgetown location also features a milkshake bar with Blue Bell Ice Cream and different shakes from which to choose.
For diners with a sweet tooth who are not in the mood for a milkshake, Hat Creek also offers a selection of cookies from Brookwood in Georgetown. Hat Creek donates 100 percent of the proceeds back to the day vocational program that works with adults with disabilities.
Hat Creeks Burnet Road location recently reopened after being closed in November for renovations, including the addition of a childrens play area.
Even with all the changes, Gressett said he hopes the restaurant will continue to improve.
We still have a long way to go, Gressett said. We are working on getting better. We dont want to become a stagnant brand.
Hat Creek Burger Co., 201 San Gabriel Village Blvd., 512-943-8252, www.hatcreekburgers.com
Hours: Mon.Sun. 7 a.m.10 p.m.
