This building at 713 Water Street was constructed in 1923, three years before the Arcadia. It was originally home to the Cecil Robinson Clothing Company, followed shortly by Poole & Clark men's furnishings.
The Bon Ton, a ladies' clothing shop was here briefly, then in February, 1929, Bill Saludis bought the building for the future use of his restaurant. He leased the space out for several years before opening the Manhattan Cafe in December 1932. Earlier in the year, he bought the Guadalupe Cafe, located a few doors down, and after a brief time, consolidated the Guadalupe Cafe and Bill's Sandwich Shop into this building. Saludis turned it into a showplace. It featured black and white tile, long counters with shiny chrome stools and white clad tables.
The distinctive black and white tiles still adorn the outside the building.
When Prohibition ended in 1933, the Manhattan Cafe was one of the first businesses in Kerrville to obtain a license to sell.
In 1938, after a renovation, the Manhattan Cafe proudly announced it was now the first air-conditioned building in Kerrville. The newspaper reported that at this time the waitresses were outfitted in "smart, tailor-made uniforms, which added to the attractiveness of the place."
The restaurant continued under new ownership from 1941 into the 1950s. A series of other small businesses followed, including a florist shop and a clothing store.
Great work!! Wonderful history makes this building's past "come alive." You do outstanding work!! Thank you.
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