by VERONICA GORDON
Patrons wanting to visit Buda Grocery & Grill on Main Street last week were met with a sign on the door that reads “Closed for Renovations.”
Store owners Madelyn and Rusty Uresti are making some changes to the layout of the business that will give it more of a bar and grill atmosphere and less of a grocery store.
Madelyn Uresti said that when she and her husband bought the store more than three years ago they knew they would eventually rearrange it.
“We realized it was so much space and we had to tackle each area at a time,” she said. “We knew we were no longer going to be a big player in the grocery business with the addition of the new Wal-Mart and Walgreen’s. So we are getting rid of the groceries, but still keeping the grill and soda fountain.”
The establishment won’t sell cake mixes or charcoal anymore, she said, but customers can still find chips, candy and snacks.
The couple started the latest renovations a few weeks ago while still operating normal business hours. They soon realized that was too difficult and decided to close down until the changes are complete.
“We just weren’t making much progress while staying open,” Uresti said. “We still need to paint and update the decor. We’re really excited. It’s taking shape.”
At the same time, they plan to honor the 100-year-old building by keeping the original hardwood floors and exposed brick, she said.
Uresti said she’s excited about the changes and hopes it will help make Buda’s Main Street more lively on the weekends.
The couple recently started offering live music on Saturday nights in the outdoor courtyard area. They were impressed with the turnout and wanted to expand the live music selection by having an indoor area for bands to play.
The renovations include taking down the grocery shelves and creating a defined bar area on the left side of the store, complete with pool tables, shuffle board and sofas for lounging.
“The carpet gets rolled up early on Saturday nights in Buda,” Uresti said. “We just want to be a fun place where you can come by yourself or bring your family. You will be able to order off the menu no matter where you sit.”
Uresti said she hasn’t needed to apply for any extra permits from the city. She is keeping her on-premise liquor license for the bar, but won’t need the off-premise license anymore.
“We are still going to have our families that come in,” Uresti said. “We love that we have so many patrons who are families.”
Uresti said she is working on the fall live music line-up and is hoping to have the store reopened in about two weeks.
