Edible News

Historic New Braunfels restaurant reopens with brand-new beer garden

Krause's Café will reopen with a new beer hall and beer garden this November.

Photo courtesy of Krause's Cafe

When it comes to day trips, there’s not much better than a visit to New Braunfels. About 50 miles away, New Braunfels’ German heritage provides just enough of a cultural getaway to make you feel like you’re not in Texas.

Adding to the city’s German flare is Ron Snider — founder of the New Braunfels Farmers Market and the new owner of the historic Krause's Café, which will reopen with a new beer hall and beer garden this November.

The restaurant was originally run from 1938 to 1995, dishing out traditional German fare to many dignitaries and city leaders. The storefront was initially located on New Braunfels’ Plaza and was named Gene’s Place after its first owner, Gene Krause. In 1948, he relocated to Castell Avenue and renamed the spot Krause's Café. Gene’s son, Kermit, ran the family business from 1959 to 1995.

After a 20-year hiatus, Snider is bringing Krause's Café back in the same locale, at 186 S. Castell Ave. He plans for it to be "modern, partially industrial, and laid-back" with a "biergarten," German-centric menu infused with a Texas touch, live music, and a cool atmosphere.

In the 11,000-square-foot space, diners can't miss the domed steel ceiling in the "bierhalle," the tabletops made with reclaimed wood, and more unique details that make the space so special.

"The revealed wood ceilings in the cafe are from both the original wood building and Kermit's many additions," Snider says. "Our bar tops are a large pecan tree slab salvaged from one of our many floods, and the cafe dining counter is made of wood from our Comal County Fairgrounds bleachers, circa 1930."

The menu will include Reuben sandwiches; sausages; house-made biscuits; mushroom hash; and more than 70 beers on tap — local, regional, and international options. Krause's Café will also have cocktails and wines on tap.

"My hope is that Krause’s Café will be a must-stop when visiting the city and will return a longstanding staple to the downtown community," Snider adds. By the sound and looks of it, we know it will be.

An official opening date will be announced soon.

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Grocery news haul

Grocery service Farmhouse Delivery returns to Austin with fun surprise

Courtesy photo

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After suddenly halting its operations in May, grocery service Farmhouse Delivery is on its way back, with an extra surprise for Austin: a new storefront.

Known for offering locally prepared foods and produce from small Central Texas farms, the subscription-based service emailed its loyal customers on Monday, November 18, to share the relaunch news and outline its plans for the future.

“We’ve missed you and are beyond grateful for your patience as we’ve been hard at work planning the next chapter of Farmhouse Delivery,” the newsletter reads. “Soon, you’ll once again have fresh, local food delivered straight to your doorstep[.]”

Farmhouse Delivery is aiming for a December date to resume deliveries, they say. They've used the intervening six months to not only revamp their existing business model, but to expand their offerings.

The biggest surprise in the newsletter was a revelation of plans for a new storefront in Austin, blending a cozy farmer’s market vibe with what they call “the best parts of your favorite grocer — where you can discover fresh foods, refill on essentials, connect with other members on sustainable living, and, of course, [shop] our best local products — all in innovative, reusable packaging.”

The email did not divulge details for the location or timing of the storefront project.

The company also plans to introduce a new membership model with exclusive benefits such as sneak peeks of new products and promotions.

Underscoring its commitment to sustainability, Farmhouse also announced that it’s working toward a completely plastic-free delivery:

“Expect to see your favorite items in sustainable packaging, with rewards for returning and reusing Farmhouse materials. Together, let’s reduce waste and make sustainable choices the coolest thing to do.”

The newsletter invited customers to complete a survey to help shape the ongoing Farmhouse experience. There, customers can indicate their desired delivery day (or days) and the factors that influence that preference (meal planning, work schedule, etc.), as well as specific products they would like to see in future deliveries.

Survey participants can also designate their preferred price point for memberships and the most appealing benefits from a long list, including free deliveries, additional delivery days, free products, members-only cooking classes, exclusive content, and more.

Neither the newsletter nor the Farmhouse website announced a specific date for relaunching, but returning and new customers can keep an eye on the website and social media for further details.

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