The White House Cafe and Saloon in Floresville, Texas, is a veritable time capsule with its pressed-tin ceiling, arched windows, and wooden floor that creaks with age. The narrow dining room still resembles its appearance in the historical photos that adorn the walls. The ornate bar is nearly as old as the building.
After more than 100 years as a downtown landmark, Dorothy Guevara is only the fifth proprietor of the venerable eatery. “The idea of buying the cafe floated around for about a year,” Guevara says. “One day it hit me that this was something that I really wanted to do.” She took possession of the keys in mid-October.
“Dorothy has her work cut out for her, that’s for sure,” says Melba Dunn. “But I know she’ll do well.” Dunn operated the restaurant for more than 20 years.
Neither woman is sure where the name of the restaurant came from other than the fact that the two-story brick building has always been painted white. According to the state historical marker out front, the structure was built between 1902 and 1909.
Frederick Teltschik ran the business from 1910 until his death in 1971. During his lifetime, the White House Cafe became the social center of the community. Besides running the restaurant and hotel, Teltschik also was the high school band teacher. The new band hall at the high school is named in his honor.
Four local men took over the business after Teltschik’s death. “They all had day jobs,” Dunn said. She volunteered to help and wound up taking over. Before working at the restaurant, her only kitchen experience was feeding four children.
Dunn changed the name to the Pizza Garden, added a patio in the vacant lot next door, and expanded the menu. “On Friday nights after football games, there would be a sea of people in there,” Dunn says. “It was a good family place.”
Dunn retired in 1997 and the new proprietor changed the name back to the White House. After a few years, the hours were cut to three evenings a week.
Guevara and her husband, Robert, owned the Circle G Restaurant in Poth until his death. She was a grade-school teacher, but often helped at the restaurant. “Within a few months of selling the restaurant I realized that it was a mistake. I really missed it,” Guevara says.
The latest rendition of the White House Cafe offers a mix of steaks, sandwiches, and pizza. Guevara plans to bring back Dunn’s chili and corn bread. “That was my own recipe,” Dunn says with a laugh. “Everyone loved it.”
The White House Cafe and Saloon is a block north of the county courthouse at 1307 Third St. in Floresville. The restaurant has a full bar and is open Tuesday through Saturday. For the new hours, call 830/393-6428.
1,009th in a series. Day Trips, Vol. 2, a book of “Day Trips” 101-200, is available for $8.95, plus $3.05 for shipping, handling, and tax. Mail to: Day Trips, PO Box 33284, South Austin, TX 78704.
This article appears in November 12 • 2010.
