BOERNE– After 14 years as a European cuisine staple in town, Little Gretel will serve its last plate of Czech delicacies April 30.
A local staple for weekend brunches and evenings out, the family-run operation offered a unique slice of culinary endeavors.
“Thank you for recognizing Little Gretel as not just ‘another restaurant’ but a special place to dine here in the Texas Hill Country,” Chef and Owner Denise Mazal said. “It is a place where through all of your sense, our guests could experience my stories and where they could see firsthand that Czech cuisine is right here, competing with the other cuisines of the world.”
She continued, thanking her daughter, Veronica, and her husband, Jimmy, for helping bring her vision to life along with all the staff that helped over the years.
Mazal began her entrepreneurial journey in town 40 years ago when she laid eyes on a house for sale on River Road, marking the very beginning of the commercial boom along the River Road corridor.
After years of dreaming, Mazal opened the doors to Little Gretel in 2009, realizing her vision of owing a restaurant which jointed Boerne’s Heritage, according to a letter from Veronica Brown.
Throughout her time at the restaurant, the community has played a major role.
“Your happiness was my fuel for inspiring me with culinary ideas for creating specials. We offered daily specials and extravagant events like our wedding evenings, where we had our guests renew their wedding vows while dining with us,” Mazal said. “We shared experiences like our World Tour Dinners, where we served different authentic dishes from around the world, and our most favorite: The “Titanic” dinner. That night, we created the exact last dinner that was served on the Titanic 100 years ago. It was an evening I will never forget.”
It didn’t take long for restaurant-goers or recognized cooks to identify the Mazal’s talents.
She was quickly named by Best Chefs America and was featured on a television series detailing notable eateries: Good Taste With Tanji Patton.
Mazal was also featured in an article in Cook’s Country which praised her kolaches – a local staple – and was named as one of fifty spots to get the best burgers in Texas by Texas Monthly.
“I would like to thank you all for the continued support over the years and for giving me the opportunity of sharing my love for Czech Culinary,” Mazal said.
More than just a restaurant, Mazal has left a long-lasting impact on her local community, having erected a large statue at the corner of River Road and South Plant Avenue baed on the Czech play “R.U.R.: Rossum’s Universal Robots” by Karel Capek. The sculpture honors the word “robot,” which was invented by Capek for the play, and shows two robots – the letter “R” – balancing the letter “U.”
She founded the Dine and Wine Festival in town and established International Chef Day in October in partnership with a local mayor.
Before the restaurant officially shutters its doors, Mazal and her family invite all to join them for a meal in Little Gretel’s final weeks.
“We could not have done this without the support from our community, and we wish the best for future endeavors and will continue to see you all around,” Mazal said.
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