Newly remodeled Vaquero Motel holds grand opening
Owner Carlos Gonzalez cuts the ribbon to officially open The Vaquero Motel in Bandera. BULLETIN PHOTO/Tracy Thayer
The Vaquero Motel held an extravagant Grand Opening on Friday, June 10, much to the delight of large crowd of Chamber members and Bandera neighbors.
Owner Carlos Gonzalez went all out to provide plenty of entertainment and fun for his guests and visitors. The event was attended by a large crowd of Chamber members, and Bandera neighbors.
Gonzalez provided a food truck from the Golden Girls, drinks and live music. The Bandera Cattle Company performed an Old Western re-enactment. Patrons were delighted to see a longhorn. Mini-donkeys, and a mini-goat brought drinks around to the participants. Two saddle horses gave rides to the kids.
As guests sipped cold beverages, they chatted at tables under shade awnings. The Chamber members were visible in their distinctive shirts. Various other guests spoke quietly while the music began to heat up in the late afternoon sun.
Nancy and Orlando DeFoster came by to see what was happening before they made a stop at the bull riding event at Mansfield Park.
“We decided to drop by like nosy neighbors,” said Nancy. “The Gonazalezes have fixed the property up in such a cute way.”
“We have been driving by and watching the progress of the renovation. We saw it in the paper and decided to stop before the rodeo,” said Orlando.
Owner Carlos Gonzalez has worked in the hospitality industry for 25 years. “I started at age 16 as a housekeeper,” he remarked.
“Eventually, we would like to market the property as an event destination. We want to try to book weddings, corporate team building, and family reunions. Our location is ideal to take advantage of the walking distance to Main Street. We are very centrally located,” Gonzalez stated.
The motel is a family run business with wife Ashley helping. Daughter Brooklyn also keeps busy helping her parents with the business.
“The City of Bandera drew us here. Everyone has been so warm and welcoming,” said Gonzalez. “We have felt so supported by the City of Bandera getting us started. We couldn’t have asked for better help with our new business.”
While Gonzalez and his family don’t reside here, they spent a lot of time researching motels for sale. They knew they had a winner when they saw the old Riverside Motel.
“The City really sold me on the property,” Gonzalez reiterated. “We want to make it a unique experience with rustic cabins and a unique Western flavor.”
“Eventually it will be a first-class event property for corporate retreats, weddings and car shows,” Gonzalez said. “We want to become one of the premier hotels in the Hill Country.”
For more information about The Vaquero Motel, go to their Facebook page or to www.thevaqueromotel.com .