Kilgore’s Zen Kitchen will tee up a fresh menu for golfers and guests in the 19th Hole at Meadowbrook Golf Course.
With the departure of vendor Twozie’s Food in the past month, City of Kilgore leaders went in search of another option for food service at the public course. They didn’t have to look far to find willing partners in downtown restaurateurs Casey and Mitch Moehring.
“For our TABC license, we have to have a food provider of some sort at that location,” Kilgore City Manager Rachel Rowe reminded council members Tuesday evening.
After a handful of tweaks to the concessionaire agreement by the city, Zen Kitchen quickly set up an initial array of options in a refrigerator in Meadowbrook’s Pro Shop and welcomed customers Friday, June 20.
“We had some really positive feedback last week when we announced they were moving into the Pro Shop,” Rowe said.
Council members approved the concessionaire agreement 4-0 June 23. Councilman Daniel Gantt abstained from the vote, noting the restaurant is a client.
“It’s exciting. We are looking forward to this new partnership with the city,” Zen Kitchen Owner & Operator Casey Moehring said. “In my hopeful, future plans, it’s a way for us to bring a little of Zen-life to other avenues in a little different way.”
The eatery is about to mark two years at 117 S. Rusk St.
“Our downtown space has a very specific vibe, and we want to bring a lot of what we do, the integrity of our work and the quality of our products, into another venue,” she said. “We’ll be testing a few ideas out as well.”
The Pro Shop setup will likely last through the summer, Mitch Moehring said, until the long-term space is ready.
“There’s some cleaning and a slight remodel needed for the 19th Hole,” he told the council. “We didn’t really have any plans of growing or expanding, but as things change and the need approaches, we felt we should step up.
“Immediately, we’re meeting our TABC needs which is our primary goal right now.”
