v-- · 18 .junei.july 2013 and, more importantly, being a texan. it looked like something i'd...
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SAN ANTONIO MAN ... Cover Story Di ERNIEAl.JGB.J ~DiJOSliHtJSIIJN
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He brought Gruene back to life
Highly accomplished men are generally associated with something specific-
corporate success, creativity in the arts, foresight, great discoveries, even civic
conscience. Amazingly, when reflecting on the pe!'SOOal and substantial achieve-
ments of San Antonio'S ~endary (but oh so down-home) Pat M~ak, not 000, but
all of the aboll9 seem applicable,
Yes, somehow over this unique individual's colorlu l, productive and enviable
career, spanning almost four decades and primarily cootered around a formerly
decaying Central Texas community, Molak has managed to amass the aforemen-
tioned accolades by melding preservation and progress with prosperity, resulting
in a lot of welcome, and greatly appreciated, revitalization ... and remarkably
enough, it al l began with an old dance hall. Because of his efforts, to many. he's
considered nothing less than a hero - albeit a "hooky-tonk" hero.
Molak, born, bred and still residing in San Antonio, has spent the majority of
his 65 youthful years doing (on the surface) what most of us would love to be doing
- profrtably running a wOOd-famous musical venue, overseeing mu~iple popular
(and usually packed) eateries, acquiring and appropriately dev~oping valued real
estate and, pemaps most rewarding, spearheading the rescue and restoratkln of
a quaint historical township that, in a rapidly deteriorating condition 40 years ago,
seemed destined forthe dust heap. Couple everything with the fact the he gets to
do it all (weather permitting) while generally wearing w~l-wom but comfortable T-
shirts, shorts and sandals, and can you say cool? Absolutely!
So how did this modern-day mast9f of the laid-back achieve the considerable
business success and obvious personal satisfaction he enjoys today? While cer-
SANANTONIOMAN,COM 17
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SAN ANTONO MAN III- Profile
MoIak, In his favorite -'dng cIothu. rttIues wIltI hie; wtfe. Susie. thIoIr dllkIntn. Jake and KatIe, and nto the dog. In addition to Gruene Hall, MoIIk owns and operaIft IIUIJIIHOUa .,.,... _ In Gruene. including ....raurant.. atom and the men:antlle building that la home to 30 dIeIIrs In ~ and coIlectIbIn.
tainly smart, a hard and focused wori
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ees, Molak and a bartender. But by spring, the
first band took the stage, and the crowds soon
followed. Molak's experiment quickly proved to
be a success, and as legions of fans from
across the state and beyond can attest, the
joint's been rock in' ever since.
Over the years Gruene Hall has earned its
well-deseJVed legendary status by showcasing
the very best in current and future stars, all pre-
" Plans are in the works for not changing
a thing! "
sented in its primitive but welcoming, cozy and
unpretentious atmosphere. It's a combination
that, as the proprietor proudly states. "has been
well received - by the talent and the publ ic. "
And somewhat uniquely. the music thaI Molak
personally brings to his hall crosses all genres.
tastes and beats. Will ie Nelson, George Strait,
Lit tle Richard, Leon Russell, Albert Collins,
Hootie and the Blowfish and many other greats
and near-greats have graced the archaic stage.
The future will no doubt prove to be as diverse.
Anyway, folks have always loved the music and
the ambience, and as almost any recent night's
gate will attest, they still do. As Molak smi lingly
volunteers, "Plans are in the works for not
changing a thing' "
With Gruene Hall prospering - thanks in
part to Molak's knack for find ing (and keeping)
wonderful and gifted co-workers - his sights
turned toward greater Gruene. Of the 25·acre
footprint (15 of it now designated as a National
Historical District). Molak owns 23. His second
project was the refurbishing of the old, mostly
burned cotton gin. This structure, overlooking
the scenic riverlront. became today's acclaimed
Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar. He and long-
time partner Mary Jane Nalley opened the es-
tablishment (again with little or no experience
s...N ANTON IO M A N III> Profile
SAN.NTONIOMAN.COM 18
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SAN ANTONIO MAN II> Profile
running 8 restaul'8lll) in 1977, initially sel6ng
beer and burgers out of a tiny kitchen.
Today, It is renowned fO( its extensive
menu featurin9 many traditional South
Texas lavorites bolslered by an equally im-
pressive wine and beer list. It can, and often
does, accommodate up to 800 dil"lfll"S com-
fortably. Multiple o ther Molak-owned and
operated (or leased) retail and service busi-
nesses have subsequently blossomed over
the years utilizin9 other existing buildings
(see the sidebar). Reflecting his commit-
ment to preservation, all of these structures,
ir"ICtudlng the iconic water tower, have been
carefully restored to period exactness. Most
have received recogni tion from the Texas
Historical Commission, something of which
he is justifiably proud. In 1990, he was even
recognized with a proclamation from the
Texas Senate for his efforts.
While preserving and protecting Gruene
will always remain Molak's primary focus,
other challenges beckoned the reslless en-
trepreneur. Most notable is his popular,
somewhat earthy San Antonio eatery, the
Josephine Street Cafe. Established in 1979
to init ially offset Gruene Hall's slower (and
lower cash flow) winter season, the cafe
continuas to pack 'em in daily. To his credit
also is the 410 Diner, now leased to an-
other operator.
When looking back over his productive
and profitable career as a successful devel-
oper, booking agent, restaurateur, historical
restorer and barkeep, Molak again and
again reflects on hiS "good luck." But to any
and all who have had the pleasure of visiting
Gruene - two-stepping at the hall, dining at
one of the restaurants, shopping, tubing the
river or just escaping briefly from big city
pressures - it all becomes obvious that il
wasn't solely providence that's kept Gruene
real. It was, still is and will continue to be,
Pat MoIak, a true Texes honky-tonk hero!
ao JUNEI.JULY 2013