HUNTSVILLE, Texas – After closing its doors in an effort to preserve the historic fixture in downtown Huntsville, Café Texan has weathered the COVID-19 storm and reopened for breakfast and lunch services, however, the restaurant’s battles are not over just yet.

“That 25% occupancy doesn’t help me out a bit. I need at least 200 customers a day just to hit a break even point,” Café Texan owner John Strickland said.

With 60% of his customer base consisting of people age 60 years and up, it’s been slow since reopening May 8. A typical day consists of only 40 to 50 customers, which is not enough to break even.

“Even when they jump the requirement to 50% of your capacity, I don’t see (breaking even) happening. I think folks are still scared to get out,” Strickland said.

Strickland worries about the future of the historic restaurant, however, he plans to do everything he can to keep it open, even if that means temporarily closing it again in the coming weeks to save costs and ensure its future.

“We’re not going to let it go away, we’re just being held hostage by our current situation,” Strickland said.

While many restaurants continued to offer take-out and delivery options through dining room closures, Café Texan was one that did not. Because of limited parking options for take out, safety concerns for employees and customers, as the costs to keep the restaurant open, Strickland chose to close. It enabled him to pay full wages to his employees through the closure, costing him around $3,000 a week.

“We have dedicated employees, we pay them right, we treat them well and they stay with us,” Strickland said.

Through its 83 years, the café has gained more than just loyalty among its staff members – some of which have been with Strickland for 20 years – it has become a staple of the area for travelers and locals alike to enjoy.

“It’s just a melting pot of Huntsville,” Strickland said.

Café Texan is the oldest café that has remained in the same spot in Texas and that has never closed. However, the famous downtown staple has changed hands eight times throughout its existence, falling under Strickland’s ownership 23 years ago.

Coming from Corsicana, Strickland moved to Huntsville 30 years ago as a member of the ROTC department at Sam Houston State University, frequently visiting the café for an early morning breakfast. Looking to retire from the military and a new adventure to occupy his time, Strickland acquired the café and purchased the building 12 years later.

“The café has been there forever and I am not going to let it close,” Strickland said.

Michelle Wulfson is a reporter for The Item in Huntsville, Texas.