Winners of the 2021 President’s Awards Program were announced in Denton in conjunction with the Texas Downtown Conference. For over 35 years the awards program, sponsored by the Texas Downtown Association (TDA), has recognized outstanding projects, places, and people of Texas downtowns.
On November 4, 2021, TDA announced Pecan House Grill as the winner of the President’s Award for Best Downtown Business in the Under 50K population.
Best Downtown Business under 50K population
The Best Downtown Business award recognizes an exceptional downtown busi-ness that positively promotes the downtown or commercial district as a destination for locals and tourists alike, and actively participates in the revitalization efforts and supports downtown promotional events.
Pecan House Grill is a gorgeous one-of-a-kind small business helping drive tourism and economic development in San Saba. Central Texas small towns have great hidden gems that keep their local economies moving. Pecan House Grill is proving to be San Saba’s hidden gem. Yes, quite a treasure, and in addition to its gorgeous “Industrial meets Historical” features, Pecan House Grill has much more to offer--the atmosphere, the menu, the bar selections, and the entertainment, making this slightly upscale vibe a draw for patrons to return and bring family and friends along to experience their new dining destination in downtown San Saba. The building’s picturesque beauty intrigues diners creating an atmosphere which most love to share with their colleagues, friends and family. An exceptional menu that caters to all-from steak lovers, serving 44 Farms all-natural Angus beef and amazing house specialties like Texas Antelope Medallions, to the seafood fans with the Gulf Red Snapper; and for those with special dietary needs, solid gluten-free options. The Papershell Bar located on the second floor has a wide range of Texas beers on tap as well as an extensive wine menu to include selections from San Saba’s own, Wedding Oak Winery; and unique craft cocktails, such as the Augustus McCrae, the Papershell Old Fashioned, and other exclusive San Saba themed beverages. Great live music entertains the crowd and warms the heart. This combination makes for an “only in San Saba” place to dine.
Congratulations to Pecan House Grill.
Downtowner of the Year
TDA also presents two individual awards, the Downtowner of the Year and the Susan H. Campbell Award for Professional Excellence. There are no finalist in these categories. The TDA Board selects only the winner.
The Downtowner of the Year award recognizes a person who has shown exemplary commitment to the downtown revitalization program through time given, resources and leadership. The downtown or commercial district is positively impacted, and the community is inspired by the guidance, dedication, and determination of this individual.
Clayborne “Clay” L. Nettleship was named as TDA’s 2021 Downtowner of the Year! Surprise, surprise Clay, as this nomination had been kept secret from this recipient:
At a time when other businesses were diminishing and closing, Clay was opening one. This new business did not only provide jobs, but during some of the hardest times our residents were experiencing, our town was blessed with a slight economic boost. This awesome dinning destination for our small community, not only brought in the locals, but traveling visitors. These visitors would return for another visit, bringing their friends, staying awhile and shopping. This community boost reflects his strength; during the struggles of a pandemic, during a rough economic time, and through many government regulations, he continued to focus on this community’s survival and made it happen.
Clay has been tremendously involved in the revitalization of our downtown and instrumental in its economic improvement. Clay’s accomplishments through his civic duties have demonstrated great community impact, such are as director of the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) Board of Directors and as the Founder and Vice-President of the San Saba County Community Foundation: Clay was the driving force in establishing an LCRA park in San Saba. The now, San Saba River Nature Park, located in the easterly side of our downtown, serves our community as a great attraction for family fun, natural sightseeing, an excellent walking/biking trail, a great fishing spot, a historic swimming blue hole, a boy scout recreational/ training camp, and a gateway to Risien Park, the location of the annual (pre-COVID) Catkins Ball, and other community events.
Clay’s collaborative restoration includes 11 buildings. Today, our community proudly admires the phases of Clay’s dream which have become reality, but he has not eased up yet. He continues with the Pecan House Grill project. Clay is very giving! He thinks of others, our community, and the lasting impact that his projects will have not only on our Downtown, but the whole community, our economy, and the future of San Saba.
Congratulations Clay!