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January 2006
Gourmet Food in a Unique Setting.
If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path local eatery with loads of character and good food, check out the Welfare Café. You will be blown away by the original decor and the gourmet food selection.

The Welfare Café was originally established as a general store and post office. It was owned and operated by Perry J. Laas and his wife, Alma, from 1921 to 1978. After they stopped operating the store, it remained closed and the building vacant for 20 years. A love of cooking, an itch to get out of the city, and German roots prompted Gabriele Meissner McCormick and her husband, David Lawhorn, to reopen the establishment as a unique restaurant. They brought life back to this historically rich landmark, reopening it in November 1998 after extensive renovation.

The couple painstakingly restored the building, keeping it in character with its original form. They have created a charming café using original materials and local artifacts for the decor. They were able to recover many of Perry J. Laas' original signs used when the building was a general store. There are even some old dry goods displayed in the main dining area that were sold by Laas.


 
Outdoor Seating at the Welfare Cafe

Perry J. Laas Signage

The Welfare Café has a charming outdoor seating area. Original signs
such as the one to the right highlight the rich history of the Welfare Café.

It is a place full of charm. Everything that was upgraded or added was done using reclaimed materials. David has taken wood scraps from fallen barns and buildings around the area. "I love using existing materials," said David. "It is the way the German settlers did things, and we want to keep this place true to its roots." Speaking of roots, Gabriele (Gaby) was born in Frankfurt, Germany, and she still speaks fluent German. Gaby is not only a co-owner of the establishment, but also its head chef. She is mostly a self-taught cook, but she believes her talent and passion for cooking came from her grandmother. "Running this café is a labor of love for me," said Gaby.

She has created a unique menu in both the cuisine offered and the names used. Many of the entrées are named after some of the first postmasters of Welfare. With a staff of 10, including waitresses and cooks, Gabriele and David have maintained the café's reputation as a premium food destination for tourists and locals alike. "We love what we do," said Bonnie Teel, a waitress at the café. "This job is one of Welfare's best kept secrets."

Patrons can dine in or sit outside. There are a number of tables placed under cozy arbors surrounded by landscaping that adds a romantic touch. On Thursdays and Sundays, you can even hear live music.

The café is only beginning for David and Gabriele. They are still developing the property and have transformed an old goat barn into a place for parties that can accommodate up to 120 people. The newly refurbished building has a beautiful fireplace, a second floor and a banquet area. It is well suited for wine tasting events, parties and even wedding receptions. A new patio area will soon be completed, adding even more room for entertainment. If the food alone is not enough to pique your interest, come check out its rich history - it's a unique destination. The café sits a few miles off Interstate 10; just take the Welfare exit, between Boerne and Comfort. Follow the Waring/Welfare road until you find the white plank building. It is open Wednesday through Friday, 6 to 9 p.m. On Saturday it is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. It is always a good idea to make a reservation on weekends by calling (830) 537-3700.

Bonnie Teel and Joseph Brantley
Bonnie Teel, waitress, and Joseph Brantley,
assistant chef, prepare for a busy night


The Welfare Cafe

The Old Goat Barn
The old goat barn has been restored for parties.


Owners David Lawhorn and Gabriele McCormick
Owners of the Welfare Café David Lawhorn
and Gabriele Meissner McCormick
 

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