After an eight month search, the owners of the Supper Club announced last week that they have passed ownership of the restaurant to Hildee’s. Chef Ryan Hildebrand and Wimberley investor, Paul Dunn, have partnered to purchase the land, building and assets from Phil Collins and Mark Grimes who were motivated to sell because of serious health concerns.
Hildebrand and Dunn confirmed on Saturday that the new name will be “Hildee’s on the Square.” Hildee’s, the restaurant Ryan and his wife Mollye owned and operated on Winter’s Mill Parkway, closed in December when investors decided to sell.
“It’s been a wild couple of months, said Ryan. “Acquiring the Supper Club has been an amazing stroke of timing and luck and the location on the Square is awesome. It’s a beautiful building right in the heart of Wimberley,” he continued.
Paul and Helen Dunn met the Hildebrands when Ryan catered Helen’s birthday party and later, their son’s wedding. “We trust Ryan and Mollye,” said Paul, “we believe in them. We love their vision of good food and family,” to which Helen agreed, “It felt right.” The Dunns expect to play an active role in the endeavor. “We want patrons to know us so that a visit to ‘Hildees on the Square’ is like meeting up with friends,” said Paul. “We plan to continue the Supper Club’s precedent of Tuesday night gatherings for locals.”
While many things are in the planning stage, Ryan said his vision is to continue the Supper Club’s elevated level of service and food, but with a more approachable price point and somewhat more casual ambience. “We will continue to offer farm- and ranchto- table foods as well as increased offerings for vegetarians and seafood lovers,” he said. “We’ll hang onto the steakhouse feel but will include the fine touches patrons want. We’ll lighten up the interior and increase patio dining, as well.”
Hildee’s core team and servers are committed to making the transition and Supper Club staff will be invited to make the changeover with them.
In a written statement to members issued January 24, previous owners Collins and Grimes wrote, “We are grateful for the trust and loyalty you’ve placed in us and we’re confident that Hildee’s will continue to be a great restaurant.” Included in the statement was their assurance that the new owners “will honor all Supper Club member credits and gift cards.”
As for the date of the new opening, the new owners said, “We’re moving as quickly as we can.”
