by Steven Doyle photos by Robert Bostick
As we have reported in the past, the very legendary Club Schmitz will close its doors for the final day June 1, 2014. The iconic bar and grill has endured the test of time, 68 years to be precise. This past weekend the Schmitz family invited us to join another piece of history, the Schmitz family reunion. There the family laughed and enjoyed cold beer, the iconic burger made by the 25 year veteran cook Tony Lee, and played shuffleboard.
Recently owners Bob and Larry Schmitz sold their plot of land and it will soon become a Race Trac gas station.
Club Schmitz opened in 1946 at the Denton Drive location, on what was then the outer limits of Dallas. Cousins Lawrence “Bigun” and Leonard Schmitz opened the bar after returning from World War II. In the late 70’s Larry and Bob took over the business without changing much, if anything. “It’s been a great ride, but things come to an end,” Larry said.
Guests from the past and present are encouraged to stop by for a last beer and burger, and even a tee shirt, but expect a short wait for a seat.
