The phone was ringing inside the Malt Shop Monday, even though it was closed.
When Janie Harrison announced she was selling one of Parker County’s favorite burger joints, more than 1,000 inquiries were made.
“I couldn’t believe it,” she said, “the response was overwhelming.”
The community has rallied around Janie and her 67-year-old Malt Shop, as recent crowds have proven.
Two local businessmen, David Hart and Shawn Allen, stepped up to claim the Malt Shop as theirs, and are busy with remodeling and rejuvenating plans.
Janie will stay on as general manager, ensuring the restaurant’s flavor and traditions.
Reassuring their customers that their favorite dishes will not be changed, Hart explains that it is not a fast food place, but that all ingredients are fresh and made to order.
“We’d rather take eater time to serve quality, freshly made burgers and hand-spun shakes than cut corners with frozen food,” Hart said.
With that in mind, there may be some wait times involved, coupled with their new crew learning the ropes.
The number of employees has increased from five to 15 in order to better serve customers and meet the demands of extended shop hours.
“We may tweak a few recipes and add a few new things, but we really want to retain the Shop’s charm and reputation,” Hart explained.
The Malt Shop was built by two bothers in 1958 for their wives before the men went to war, the story goes.
With malts being the Shop’s classic calling card, their burgers, handmade ice cream, and sides widen the menu and bring customers back.
The two men are providing a safe, fun space for families to enjoy as land behind the Shop has been graded in preparation for the installation of grass, games, and picnic tables away from the busy parking lot.
The lot west of the Shop will be used for parking.
Car shows, lawn games, music, and sock hops are in the plans, as well as a grand celebration party when all the “moving parts” are in alignment.
Open to all suggestions, Hart and Allen are committed to continuing the historical significance of the Shop, in passing along patronage to the younger generation.
Calls have gone out to local businesses that might be interested in sponsoring some of the Malt Shop’s needs including painters, asphalt crews, electricians, tree donations, and table sponsors.
Benefactors’ branding will be displayed for the next two years.
Janie was hoping to retain her handwritten paper checks for customers, but the guys are, “Dragging her into the 21st century with digital technology,” Hart laughed, as she smiled and said that she’d just have to learn.
“Stay tuned!”
Located at 2028 Fort Worth Highway, the Malt Shop’s new hours are 9:30am-9pm, Tuesday-Saturday; Sunday 11:30am-7pm; closed Monday.
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