Billy’s Ice is making a comeback, but under a different name and at a different address. Owner Bob Wilson announced the new name, Bobby’s Ice, on its Facebook page, to the chagrin and excitement of Billy’s Ice lovers. Bobby’s Ice is set to open at 6390 FM 1102 in New Braunfels.
While the beloved live music venue may have undergone a location and name change, according to Wilson, Bobby’s Ice will still have the same vibes Texans have come to know and love.
“It’s been one hell of a run, but it’s time for a change,” Wilson said.
What Now San Antonio spoke with Wilson about the new opening and what caused the change. Wilson took us down memory lane to bring our readers into the future of Bobby’s Ice.
As Community Impact, previously reported, Billy’s Ice shuttered at 1193 Loop 337 in early October. The closure came after a long run in the New Braunfels community, which started in 2008 when Billy’s Ice was just a drive-thru convenience store. Billy’s Ice came to life, thanks to the vision of Bill Sisoian, who intended to create a friendly bar with ice-cold beer – hence, Billy’s Ice.
“It became a place where good friends could meet to enjoy live music and delicious refreshments among good company,” Wilson told What Now San Antonio.
Shortly after its inception, Billy’s son, Nick, stepped in to help, making Billy’s Ice a mainstay in the community and not only for ringing in the good times but also for giving back to the community. Billy’s Ice has donated thousands of dollars to help everyone from cancer patients to veterans to flood victims. Wilson stepped in to keep the legacy going. But, as hands change in business, so does the business.
Once Wilson sold the 1193 Loop 337 property, it was time for Billy’s Ice to transform. A divine revelation led Wilson to the property at 6390 FM 1102, formerly occupied by Lazy J Cajun, where the new bar would come to live.
“I was driving home from church when I saw the venue and said, ‘Mmm, that would make a good place for a live music venue,” Wilson said.
With that, Wilson sprang into action, making a new home for the formerly known Billy’s Ice at 6390 FM (often referred to as Hunter Road, as Billy’s Ice lovers on Facebook made sure to make clear) in New Braunfels.
As for the name. Well…
“I wanted to, respectfully, put the Billy’s family name to rest,” Wilson said.
“It’s time to move away from the old and usher in the new. After all, my name is Bob,” Wilson said with a chuckle.
Wilson shared that this also means a slight change in the restaurant and bar’s offerings. The first thing he wants folks to know is that the establishment will have that same dive bar feel that folks have come to appreciate at Billy’s Ice, but Bobby’s Ice will also cater to families in the area.
There will no longer be only a third-party food truck sitting in front of the establishment. Wilson said the bar will also serve as an eatery and will open earlier, at 11, for lunch, serving up items like hot dogs, burgers, wings, and other bar food. Patrons can come, eat, and listen to live music while their children play in the open space. As the sun starts to go down and the moon begins to light up the sky, so will Bobby’s Ice, turning into a bar where customers can come sing along to live music, chow down, and have a beer (or three) with their buddies.
Wilson is steadily working to get Bobby’s Ice up and running. Construction is underway, but due to looming permits, the timeline for the opening of Bobby’s Ice has continued to move. Wilson intended to open sometime in October, but he continues to wait for the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission permit to go through.
Wilson told What Now San Antonio that he aims to have Bobby’s Ice at 6390 FM 1102 open by mid to late November.
Keep up with the very active Bobby’s Ice Facebook page for updates on the solidified opening date, a grand opening (which Wilson said he will surely have, and hey, there may even be some deals!) date, and more!
