STAFF REPORT

The San Marcos Planning & Zoning Commission granted permits for two new bars on Tuesday: A Bobcat-themed bar near Texas State University and a higher-end lounge on the far south end of town.

Both establishments will be owned by lifelong or longtime San Marcos residents. Both sets of entrepreneurs said they hope to open as soon as possible but are awaiting liquor licenses from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

Bobcat Nation Sports Bar & Grill will occupy 2,700 square feet in the Center at San Marcos strip mall across Sessom Drive from the university campus. Plans call for 60 indoor and 16 outdoor seats.

Co-owner Terry Wagner, familiar to many people around town as a mail carrier for nearly 40 years, said his group purposely sought to open their establishment away from the downtown entertainment district where dozens of bars compete fiercely for student dollars.

“It’s on the other side of Texas State and we planned it like that. We think there is room for us there. We are in the heart of Texas State,” said Wagner, whose business partners include Brandon Stone and David Howard. “The people we’ve talked to are really excited about bringing a Bobcat theme to San Marcos, Texas.”

Across town, near the outlet malls, Cody Couch is making plans to open Cody’s Bistro & Lounge in a shopping center recently purchased by his family. The center also houses former council member Pam Couch’s upscale clothing stores, Two P’s and Calli’s boutique.

The bar/restaurant will occupy 2,400 square feet that previously housed Craigo’s Pizza. It will be the first full fledged bar on the far southern end of town near neighborhoods like Willow Creek and Turkey Hollow where most of the community’s higher income residents are concentrated.

“We are going to be upscale. We’re going to serve quality, fresh food and nice drinks,” Couch said. “We want to get the locals coming out.”

Planning commissioners unanimously approved one-year conditional use permits to serve alcohol for both bars. Commissioner Bucky Couch, Cody Couch’s father, recused himself from the vote on his son’s application.