March 05--After welcoming a robust Grand Opening crowd Friday night, the firefighters and Meadowbrook employees manning the new Firehouse Bar & Grill soon set to work ironing out the first-weekend wrinkles at the municipal golf course's new restaurant.
They weren't alone. In addition to the firefighters (now operating the course and its facilities for the City of Kilgore) and staffers, personnel from Kilgore City Hall lent a hand in the kitchen, behind the bar and out on the floor for the first weekend.
Kilgore Fire Chief Johnny Bellows estimates the restaurant drew more than 300 people from 5 p.m. to close on the first day of business following a two-month renovation.
"We filled the restaurant and the ballroom Friday night," Kilgore City Manager Scott Sellers agreed. "Saturday was another great day, but about half of Friday's attendance. The weather impacted patronage Sunday, but we still had a fairly decent day."
So far, Sellers added, customers are ordering "across the board," though the Tailboard Classic appeared to be the weekend's most popular item, the bar-and-grill's basic $5.75 burger.
"Everybody just loved the burgers," Bellows said, crediting executive chef Matt Mayfield's secret seasoning. "So far, I love the wings. They were just right for me."
There were a few hiccups the first few days, he allowed, growing pains.
"I think we're working out ways to correct that. Many of them we've already corrected, but I guess that's to be expected."
Bellows said he's pleased with the public's response, especially the Friday night rush. It bodes well for the future of the community restaurant and golf course.
As a City of Kilgore operation, waitstaff and bartenders cannot accept tips; instead, Meadowbrook accepts donations for the Special Abilities Family Fun Event Day, the golf course improvement fund and Kilgore Fire Department's equipment fund.
If the first few days were any indicator, Bellows added, ongoing business at the facility may warrant additional employees beyond the firefighter backup crews assisting Meadowbrook's staff members.
"We kind of overstaffed that first night, and we needed it," Bellows said. "The second night was very steady and busy, but we handled it with what we anticipated.
"Our plan all along was if we can make it work then we will begin to hire and begin to transition a bit to not having as many firefighters up there."
Firefighters took orders at the tables the first weekend, but the Web-based, mobile-optimized ordering system proved its worth, Sellers noted, streamlining food tickets.
"We continue to refine the online ordering system and encourage the public to try it out" via CityofKilgore.com/Firehouse, he said. "We have made a few other updates to the restaurant and have heard many positive comments about how well it has been renovated."
But for an unexpected asbestos abatement, approximately $10,000, the firefighter-fueled remodel -- including estimates thousands of man-hours from late December to the Grand Opening, came in under the $20,000 budget approved by city council members.
"The staff and firefighters have done an incredible job. At this time, while still in its infancy, I would say the restaurant looks to be an overwhelming success."
For more information, contact Meadowbrook (1306 Houston St.) at 903-984-3155 or follow 'Firehouse Bar and Grill' on Facebook.
Copyright 2014 - Kilgore News Herald, Texas
