Wednesday, April 24, 2024
It was always on her mind. Lauren Brown, of Gran-bury, could not stop thinking about owning a community venue, a place where people would gather and have fun.
“I was fixated on places like The Local and Revolver Brewing,” Brown said. “I was constantly thinking about how a business like that would work.”
Now she knows.
This month she is celebrating the two year anniversary since she established Brantley’s outdoor venue, north of Granbury at 2625 Camp Crusis Court.
It was formerly known as Rooster’s Barbecue.
Brown, whose maiden name is Brantley, is a 1998 graduate of Granbury High School. She was divorced and living with her two children in DeCordova before purchasing the venue.
Prior to starting her business, Brown would contemplate the venue idea while driving back and forth to her job as a physical therapy assistant in Stephenville.
When her thoughts became overwhelming she once screamed out, “God, get this out of my brain!”
Her dream became a reality when her father sold some property and sent her a check.
“It’s not something I ever expected,” Brown said. “It was a very large check.”
Brown’s parents divorced when she was six, and she had somewhat limited contact with her father off and on through the years.
“My sister called and said I would be getting a check, a large check,” Brown said. “It was a windfall. It was unbelievable!”
Brown decided it was time to pursue her dream.
She stumbled onto Rooster’s when checking out the venue with a friend. Brown saw a “for sale” at the location, and the wheels began to turn.
She was able to purchase the property with the money from her father.
“At first it seemed like a gamble, but it really wasn’t because I had the money,” Brown stated.
“Everytime I don’t know what I’m doing, God sends someone or something to help,” Brown said.
The property includes a brick house where she now lives with her children, Logan, 15, and Zane, 11.
Brown has made a few changes at Brantley’s.
“We don’t have the restaurant any more,” she said. Instead food trucks provide food service.
“We’ve had first Friday music nights, where people come and hang out,” Brown said.
And rest rooms with a rustic style have been added. No more porta potties.
“I love the family events, I love the weddings. I love to see people dressed up and out there dancing.” Brown said.
The property includes indoor and outdoor seating with tables and chairs, a dance floor and a stage.
With a smile, Brown said, “I’m always looking, always thinking, about how I can make improvements.”
Learn more about Brantley’s on Facebook.
dschneider@hcnews.com | 817-573-7066, ext. 255
