Wednesday, September 11, 2024
A new homestyle restaurant has opened in Granbury at 1302 S. Morgan St. But the Granbury Pancake House houses so much more than pancakes.
The new restaurant creates nearly all its culinary delights from scratch. Its signature dish will be the “1866” which was created to honor the city of Granbury.
Owner Kevin Fitzgerald explains, “The dish was created to honor the city of Granbury when it was established.”
A dish as big as Hood County lore, Fitzgerald describes the dish, “The 1866 will be served on a 21-inch by 15-inch platter, and comes with two pancakes, a Belgian waffle, two eggs, toast, coffee and juice as well as your choice of bacon or sausage and a biscuit!”
You can order the “1866” any time of day as breakfast is on the menu from open to close.
The Granbury Pancake House is a true family restaurant in decor, relaxed atmosphere and the friendly folks that own and operate the venue.
“The most important part of my life is my parents,” says Fitzgerald, who mentions the large portrait of his parents that greets each patron.
“After losing Dad nine months ago, mom now resides with us in Granbury. She has her own booth, and helps with silverware, talking to guests and is fully engaged daily at the young age of 81.”
His mom is not the only Fitzgerald to enjoy visiting with guests.
“You will see Cassandra, mom and I on a daily basis. My children, Rocco and Roxy, are in the restaurant as well as their photos and named menu items. The reason I do this is for our family and our community.”
Photos of Hood County and Granbury historical sites are arranged along the walls along with photos of the sheriff, chief of police and mayor.
Fitzgerald says the staff gets along well. “Both front of house and back of house have jelled rather quickly. We all have learned the menu, kitchen, service standards and what we are all about and that’s taking care of our customers as one big family.”
A connection to the community being key to the vision, a partnership with Granbury High School’s culinary department is a good fit for that goal.
“We have hired five of their current and past students who are extremely talented individuals. Finally, we are going to give them a scholarship award each year in my late brother’s name to the culinary program.”
“We treat and take care of our employees as family. This includes being paid an above average wage. They receive free meals and drinks during their shifts, as well as a weekly 50% discount while dining with their families on their days off.”
Fitgerald says they wish to be known as a pancake house first and foremost. Doggie pancakes are dog bone shaped pancakes that help support local animal adoption with $1 from every $3 purchase going to the cause. “This has already been a big hit,” shared Fitzgerald.
Partnering with local businesses has been important as well. Local pecans are used in the pecan waffles and they get many supplies from local vendors in Granbury as well as having contracted with local businesses for the remodel.
Fitzgerald says his family was waiting for just the right opportunity.
“We have looked at many different opportunities in Granbury until this space became available. We have heard all the rumors about this spot, but we had the building blessed with prayer and holy water and started on July 7 with our new armor and it’s been a blessing.”
With his late brother Michael as inspiration, Fitzgerald hopes to offer great hospitality to the residents of and visitors to Hood County. “(It’s) a place to dine causally, (enjoy) conversation and get spoiled by our staff. I am a huge hospitality and ‘of service’ operator.
“We love God, staff, community, youth and patrons.”
The space and catering will be available for special events. The owners have taken special care to make the establishment convenient for those in walkers or wheelchairs. For special events email homeofthe1866@gmail.com.
