For over 100 years there was a store in Cele Texas (pronounced like the aquatic mammal). There was never much of a town, but there was a combination general store, saloon, and restaurant that served the Czech settlers of the region and surrounding microtowns like New Sweden and Rices Crossing.
Every little town in Central Texas had a store, and one by one over the last century they shut down, unable to compete with the selection and services available in larger towns like Taylor and Manor. A few years ago it was the Clarksville store as old Clarksville got plowed under for cookie-cutter housing developments. Now we're saying goodbye to the Cele store, which has been the heart of its small community since 1891.
The Cele store started out as the Richland Saloon when the area around Austin was almost the Wild West. It has been run by the same family since Marvin Weiss took it over in 1951 after he came back from the war. His widow is now in her 80s and the kids all have other jobs or have moved away.
Cele is facing inevitable integration into the outskirts of Austin, and the store has outlived its contemporaries and is one of the last of its breed. After the 28th of December it will join so many other stores as just a part of history.
What made the Cele store unique is that in addition to selling farm equipment, feed, and dry goods, every Friday and Saturday it turned into a barbeque restaurant and people came from Austin and beyond to enjoy their traditional brisket, sausage, and pork ribs.
The barbeque became famous, drawing diners from all over Central Texas for the unique experience. The store became a legend in its own right, as a bit of antique Americana preserved for posterity. It was featured as a location in several movies including Second Hand Lions and A Perfect World, accounting for the autographed photos of Clint Eastwood, Kevin Costner, Robert Duvall, and Michael Caine on the walls.
Article comments
1 - Lumpy
The monuments to the lifestyle of our grandparents generation are disappearing rapidly and no one is bothering to try to save them. we worry about stuff that happened 200 yrs ago yet are going to throw away all our connections to the world of 50 yrs ago.
2 - Jeff Myers
Here in Fresno, the old downtown hofbrau closed and was quickly torn down. We spent a few weeks waxing nostalgic about it, trying to remember all the great moments with friends and family.
I'm sure they will build some fast food crap place on the lot.
3 - John
Cele is back open! I believe their grandson helped them open it back up in Sept last year. The BBQ is still some of the best in Central Texas!
4 - Dave Nalle
Wow, John. That's good news. Are they still only open on Fridays and Saturdays?
Dave
5 - jeff
Cele store is back open for business.
6 - Jay
The cele store now has a website with some information about hours of operation, photos and some history about the place.
7 - Sam Thacker
We went by their last night (Sunday) the place was packed. We went in and found out they were having a private party...opps!
They did tell us they are open on Friday and Saturday nights. We will be back this Friday.