07/18/2026
This business is tough as is.
This is us Saturday 1pm 7/18/26.
The biggest problem the past year has been butts in seats, our typical “tourist pops” weren’t what they’ve been for a decade. Some weeks not at all.
We lost a lot last summer.
Between the macro & micro economics of it all
it hasn’t been great.
But from mid June to this past Wednesday, we were seeing an upward trend.
At the end of shift last Saturday I remember finally exhaling upon the realization, that if we keep these numbers up for the summer season
we gonna be alright.
Planned for a rainy couple days, but the forecast had a solid sunny Friday & Saturday, two days that tend to carry the week.
Obviously the water had other plans.
Now I’m not here to complain or garner sympathy, you have to be a special kind of crazy to be in this business, I own that.
The reality is I think I’m just concerned.
I’m concerned about what this means.
Not just for us but every small business in this town & surrounding communities.
In a lot of ways I’m keenly aware we are the lucky ones.
I mean we’re Grape Juice.
I know if we’re here, what does that mean for our peers?
The landscaper, the contractor, the dive bar, the yoga studio, the boutique, the taco spot, the auto parts store, the general store, the brewery, the vineyards, the tasting room, the cattle rancher, the plumber, the taxidermist, the theater, the meat processor, the bed & breakfast, the gym, the tattoo artist, the hair stylist, the health spa, the bike shop.
The list goes on.
We lost a local restaurant staple last year.
We saw a local restaurant staple underwater Thursday. Our Friends.
What I love about Kerrville & The Hill Country is its Authenticity.
In a world of global brands private equity & corporate cut and paste, our little slice of life is made up of neighbors, family & community.
The Homies.
So in the coming weeks & months, when you consider spending your hard earned dollars consider us little guys.
I have a young family, I know how tight things can get especially in this new context.
By no means is this a criticism or shame-post.
I see y’all everyday.
Me & Heidi appreciate yall every day.
You provide not only us but 20+ppl a livelihood, dignity and pride for what we get to do.
A legacy for my kids.
To tell you the truth I’m not totally sure, I’ll even post this.
I’m kinda just putting my thoughts in a note.
I don’t want the appreciation or the sentiment of all the support we get every shift to be lost.
But also, I think part of my duty as Head Busser of
623 Water St is
To Be Authentic.
This is the reality we are now facing.
I got faith though.
We are still providing Free in-house meals, and togo meals to first responders & anyone that needs it. Call us up we got you.
Cuz It’s the right thing to do & doing the right thing has never failed me.
The Link 2 Support That Effort Below
https://order.toasttab.com/online/grape-juice-623-water-st
We Gonna Make It
Locals4LocalsByLocals
-Daric
