Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1493310
Jim Kastleman JACK THOMPSON T here's something to be said for longevity of being involved in the show. The longer one stays in the same location, the stronger a dealer's sales become over time — and, of course, veterans of the shows learn how to navigate the roads to avoid masses of traffic. Ed Gage, a 40-year Round Top insider and a founder of Marburger Farm, has been talking about escape routes ever since I've known him. I finally had him sit down with my creative director, Jordan Geibel, and he committed those routes to paper — errr, map. This will now become an addition to our 16 Important Tips page. As always, there's lots of new action in town. The transformation that has taken place at The Stone Cellar needs attention. What Steven and Cathy Frietsch have done in such a short time is nothing short of amazing. The upgraded dance hall, updated menu, new dining room, retail, and more, deserve a great deal of respect. They have built a destination that's already attracting folks outside of the shows, based on the full parking lots I see. Also, take a look at what Ryan Buenning has done with the old Royal Standard across from Marburger. Ryan is the cool-cat artist who does the painted portraits of old stars that you see around town. He showed me the property when he first bought it. He was pained that he couldn't buy the property next to him — until he did! Now he's shifted buildings, renovated, and moved things around. Artist and businessman, I love it. As for The Halles, we've got some crazy stuff going on. First and foremost, we are 3D-printing five concrete casitas on the back of the property. Come grab a drink, sit in a chair, and watch the robot squirt out concrete. Country Sunshine, the über-loved food truck out of Brenham (also the chefs of the amazing pizzas at Prost on Block 29), has relocated to The Halles and is our new food and beverage vendor, in addition to the new ParaVida Market with food, beer, and gourmet foods. That's just a few of the new things going on at the The Halles. Enjoy the show! Jim Kastleman Chairman In Loving Memory of WHO LEFT US ON F E B R U A R Y 1 1 , 2 0 2 3 Pinedo Cisco 12