Celebrating nearly 25 years in business!
Reba's was founded by owner Joe Schroeder in 1999 in La Grange, Texas. Born in New York, he has spent over 50 years in the restaurant and catering business. When Schroeder began exploring his culinary prowess, he quickly discovered that going to a trade school or taking an apprenticeship would equate to the same thing as a college degree in the food and beverage industry. So, he became an apprentice seeking opportunities working at the hand of numerous talented chefs in a variety of restaurants. "I worked with European, German, and French chefs until I finally became a chef myself. From there I went on to become an Executive Chef for many country clubs and hotels along the east coast," says Schroeder.
It was while working as an apprentice in an Italian restaurant at the age of 15 that Schroeder cultivated his skills for sauce-covered masterpieces. While many of his duties included "grunt work" such as prepping salads and assisting the lineman, he was also tasked with helping the pizza chef. It was at the foot of this master pie man that Schroeder began to hone his craft. "Eventually that chef left the position and I was promoted to his job," he recalls. "This gave me background and experience in making authentic, New York-style pizzas- it started my culinary career."
It was while working as an apprentice in an Italian restaurant at the age of 15 that Schroeder cultivated his skills for sauce-covered masterpieces. While many of his duties included "grunt work" such as prepping salads and assisting the lineman, he was also tasked with helping the pizza chef. It was at the foot of this master pie man that Schroeder began to hone his craft. "Eventually that chef left the position and I was promoted to his job," he recalls. "This gave me background and experience in making authentic, New York-style pizzas- it started my culinary career."
Texas Bound
What drove Schroeder from the bustling New York lifestyle to the quiet contentment of Colorado Street? Quite simply, the Texas charm captured their hearts and never let go. Schroeder and his wife visited Austin while on vacation in early 1990 and fell under the Texas hill country spell. "The minute we stepped into Texas, we loved it," he says. "We fell in love with the beauty and opportunity that this state has to offer. The returned to New York, sold everything, packed up their three kids, and drove a U-Haul across the U.S. until they settled in the Lone Star State. And in 1998, Schroeder found himself three tables, six chairs, hung his sign out front, and opened the first Reba’s "We essentially opened on a shoestring budget, Schroeder laughs, recalling his early days. "My daughter Kim helped so much. She always says, 'It takes a village to raise a family." That phrase became a cornerstone of their namesake: Reba's Village Deli & Pizzeria. "It has taken a village to create this staple in the community and we couldn't be more grateful, he adds.
A Family Affair
For Schroeder, their restaurant was, and still is, a family affair. Locally owned, flavored, and run, Reba's has a unique and deep-rooted stake in the community. Joseph, the oldest son, is the general manager and fudge master of the Giddings location and Emporium.
Matthew, the second-oldest, manages the La Grange location. Luis, while not a blood relative, has been indoctrinated into the family as he has been a part of the working family for the past 20 years and serves as a manager at the La Grange location. The eldest child Kim was instrumental in opening both locations, and continued to manage them for several years before moving to Georgia to start her own family. Rebecca, the younger daughter, helped with marketing and created the Reba’s website. Kathy, co-owner and Joe's prettier half, is often tasked with him grounded when he gets too serious or when his brows "furrow."
Matthew, the second-oldest, manages the La Grange location. Luis, while not a blood relative, has been indoctrinated into the family as he has been a part of the working family for the past 20 years and serves as a manager at the La Grange location. The eldest child Kim was instrumental in opening both locations, and continued to manage them for several years before moving to Georgia to start her own family. Rebecca, the younger daughter, helped with marketing and created the Reba’s website. Kathy, co-owner and Joe's prettier half, is often tasked with him grounded when he gets too serious or when his brows "furrow."
Moving to Giddings and Back to La Grange
After some extenuating circumstances in 2004, the restaurant was moved 20 miles down the road to Giddings. Due to popular demand, it was decided to reopen a La Grange location in 2012. As Reba's continued to grow, we built a bar in the La Grange location and an ice cream & fudge parlor in Giddings!
And the growth continues!
In January of 2021 Reba's decided to expand again, this time purchasing a new building in Giddings! At more than double the size of the current location, the new building will allow us to expand the menu and better serve our customers. New menu additions will include char-grilled burgers, French Fries, more appetizers, and new sandwiches and salads.
Who is Reba?
Rebecca is the fourth and final child of Joe and Kathy Schroeder and was born in 1996, and the first family member to be born in Texas! A surprise and welcome edition to the family, grandma nicknamed her "Reba" and three years later she had a restaurant named after her. After college Rebecca chose to pursue a career in wedding videography and soon after formed her own business filming couples in their happiest moments. Check out her work at rebeccalynnfilms.com!
