Image: Painting by Ric Dentinger
In 1892, this small community was home to 275 residents. The town was bustling with citizens, stores, and visitors passing through. However, severe weather conditions, complicated by a devastating infestation of boll weevils, caused a steady decline in the population until there was absolutely nothing left. U.S. Highway 87 bypassed Welfare in 1930, and the railroad was abandoned in 1970. It’s been a virtual dust bowl for years. The Texas sun beating down hard, with the smell of old rotting wooden buildings. No one ventured through anymore, it was a forgotten city.
It was not until a very special couple came along to give this tired old place a much needed makeover. It was an enormous challenge and took a lot of hard work, determination, and a ton of dedication. Gabriele Meissner McCormick and David Lawhorn had always lived in the city, working in the corporate world until one day they found their true calling. Their new found love of the Texas Hill Country and some good luck took them to Welfare, Texas. Early in 1992, they purchased the entire town, which included the historic Beseler homestead, general store, post office, various barns, and 150 acres of the original 160 acres surveyed back in 1854.
Gabriele decided to follow her heart and her love of cooking, and; turned her energies into opening the café. By the end of November that same year, the day after Thanksgiving, The Welfare Café opened for business. A year later, staying true to Gabriele’s heritage, the biergarten was opened. The food and service are both beyond exceptional.
