Over the weekend, Jay and Jen Bachman, owners of the Wimberley Café, officially became the new owners of Marco’s restaurant.
Purchased on April 1 from Marco and Eva Armani, the business will retain its name, menu, staff, and hours and, according to Jay, there will be no interruption of service. Guests will still be able to enjoy their favorite menu items and for a corkage fee, bring their preferred unopened beer and wine to enjoy with their meal.
“We will be serving lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday — just as Marco and Eva have done for the last 15 years,” he said.
Jen will manage the servers and the front of the house responsibilities. Head Chef Michaella Bettes will run the back of the house, overseeing the cooking and food duties. Until recently, she was a sous chef at the Wimberley Café.
“I’m ready and very excited to step into this new role,” she said. “The Bachmans have shown me wonderful support as I made the transition to Marco’s.”
“We have a very good feeling about Chef Jay and Jennifer,” said Eva. “They are responsible people, and we feel confident that they will take care of our guests and our building.”
Marco agreed: “We have peace of mind about selling the business to them.”
While the Bachmans own the business, the Armanis retained ownership of the building and land.
For six weeks, the Armanis will stay to train the owners and new staff members.
“The Marco’s menu is a very unique and difficult menu,” said Jay. “We want this time with Eva and Marco to learn the menu so that we get it right.”
While many things will stay the same, an important change will occur.
“As soon as we upgrade and streamline the business with internet and other new technology, we’ll be able to offer online ordering and delivery,” said Jen.
Her brother, Scott Hughes, will oversee this new area.
“With the purchase of Marco’s, we will gain the benefits of additional staff who we can cross train between both businesses,” she said.
Other changes down the line include an expanded beer and wine list.
In a further abundance of change, the Bachmans are gearing up to double the size of their kitchen at the Wimberley Café.
“As soon as the City Council votes on the language of the permit, we can proceed,” Jay said. “The new kitchen space will extend into the existing yard behind the Café. We’ll be installing $250,000 of new equipment so that the new kitchen can service both restaurants. With all things being equal, we should be ready in eight or nine months.”
While the Armanis will continue to reside in Wimberley, they have plans to travel and visit family. Eva said she would eventually like to engage in volunteer work and organize something that would benefit third world citizens. Marcos said whatever she creates, he’ll follow her lead.
