Barley & Board, Denton’s first brewpub restaurant, held its grand opening Wednesday.
Barley & Board sits in the heart of the historic Downtown Denton Square and is located in the Texas Building, once the site of the famous Lacy Hotel, Denton’s first hotel ever built in Denton County.
The brewpub will feature “New American Cuisine” as well as 36 beers on tap.
Reflecting the eclectic nature of Denton, it’s a mix of business, music, banking and even Hollywood that brought the Barley & Board project together.
Key members of this team include restauranteur John ‘Sparky’ Pearson, Midlake singer/guitarist Eric Pulido, actor and producer Jason Lee, Chef Chad Kelley, entrepreneur Steve Watkins, financier Earl Herrington, Brewmaster Derrick Rima and Austin music venue legend Eric ‘Emo’ Hartman. On board as a co-owner is actor Jason Lee, famous from several films as well as the “My Name is Earl” television series.
“Denton has a creative energy and sense of community that is unmatched in my opinion,” said Chad Kelley, executive chef of Barley & Board. “I am thrilled to be a part of the growing artisan community here. Guests will not only savor our interpretation of New American Cuisine, but will also discover that Barley & Board reflects the vitality and artistic community of Denton.”
Added Lee, co-owner of Barley & Board:
“The group that I’m working with, the space itself, the location, the town & its history, and what new life is being brought to that history with projects like Barley & Board, is something I’m very excited about. Denton feels reawakened. And I hope to continue being a part of what’s to come for this amazing little town!”
“The driving force behind Barley & Board is our true love of the arts and people in this great city,” said Eric Pulido, co-owner of Barley & Board. “We feel the inspiration of Barley & Board is community driven, highlighting the finest craftsman in the culinary, brew and visual arts. Through that, we will always aim to lift up our artists and nurture an environment where people can come together and share in a truly outstanding dining experience.”
Located at 100 West Oak Street, Barley & Board resides in the Texas Building in the historic Downtown Denton Square. Originally built in 1858, the Texas Building was once known as the Lacy Hotel, a hotel and livery stable that not only provided lodging, but also meals; which, by reputation, were the best that could be obtained between Dallas, Fort Worth, Oklahoma and Arkansas borders. It’s also where famed outlaw Sam Bass found employment as a livery stable boy before his train robbing days. The Lacy Hotel burned in 1884, and the May Building replaced it. That building burned in 1924, and the structure now known as the ‘Texas Building’ that you see today was built.