Andy Smith knows all too well the meaning of “there’s no place like home.” With German roots running deep like so many of the Hill Country founding families and in combination with a heavy dose of determination inherited from a great great grandmother who was the first female banker in Texas; Andy is no stranger to shaking up a dream and making it a reality. LEA LOU CO-OP, alive on the Square in Mason, is representative of Andy’s own forward-thinking spirit and imagination. Taking the first letter from the names of each of the important women in his life, Andy’s daughters; Liza, Emarie and Ada along with Lou for his mother; LEA LOU CO-OP was born.
Having been the owner of The Plateau Café in Fredericksburg, Texas from 1990-2004; Andy sold the restaurant to a member of the Crouch family and that venue became what is now Hondo’s located on Main Street in the original location.
In 2014, the old Grosse hardware store was purchased in Mason by Andy and his persona for the eclectic inspired the first incarnation of Lea Lou and what has today become a full- service restaurant serving up seafood, mesquite smoked steaks and craft pizza. The restaurant proudly boasts a full kitchen featuring a selective and well-curated menu. On any given night, there may be a special chef in the kitchen or a beautifully crafted meal show-casing a wide range of culinary diversity. With rich woods, rock walls, specialty lighting and local art covering the walls; Lea Lou is reminiscent of one of Texas’ old Roadhouses.
The site has grown to include the 21 Club, a full- service bar replete with pool tables; the Cattle Barron’s Blain; seven well-appointed boutique hotel rooms, the event center which doubles as a dance hall and a showcase for the likes of Gary P. Nunn and Max Baca & The Los Texmaniacs, along with outdoor dining, dancing and a firepit. The event center is also available for group gatherings such as weddings and other private parties. Each lodge is designed with the influences that made Mason what it is. Local Indian tribes that were in and around the surrounding county, Spanish explorers, Mexico and cattle were all instrumental in development of the unique décor. Further evidence of its growing popularity came recently in the form of a mention in Texas Highways Magazine, “How 10 Small Towns in Texas Have Adapted and Flourished.”
Upcoming events such as the Lea Lou Summer of Love Festival, the Crawfish Festival, music events for Round-Up Weekend and concerts always bring crowds and visitors from all parts of Texas. Events are always well advertised in advance which makes weekend planning easy.
Look no further for a combination of personality, laid-back comfort, friendly style and good food. Be sure to look for Andy if you visit; however, he will not be difficult to find. Lea Lou is Andy Smith.
Since Lea Lou is located on the square of Mason,” park and walk “ makes it easy to visit the many shops surrounding the area and is located centrally to other sites of interest for visitors. The Manager of the lodge is Sherie Culpepper and she can be reached at 325-805-3401 for inquiries about availability and booking. In addition, bookings for the lodge can be made through airbnb.com. You can also follow Lea Lou on Facebook. Their address is 114 San Antonio Street, Mason, Texas 76856 and their telephone number is 325-347-1234.
