About 25 years before our first flight from Love Field, a small burger joint on what was then the far reaches of Dallas opened its doors for the first time.
As the area around Love Field grew, so did the restaurant's fan base. And when Southwest Airlines established roots in the community, the restaurant known as Club Schmitz quickly became an Employee favorite. On May 31, Club Schmitz will have its final last call when it ends a 68-year run on Denton Drive.
Club Schmitz was originally opened in 1946 by Lawrence and Leonard Schmitz following their service in the Second World War. The building they selected to operate out of was an abandoned farmhouse. The Schmitz cousins first operated their business as a bar, selling beer for a quarter, and later introduced burgers and fries for the same rate. There were no posted hours, and closing
usually took place whenever the beer ran dry for the evening. The one thing the location did have going for it was its prominent placement on the primary road between Dallas and Denton. Over the years, the path of the road has moved several times, but Club Schmitz did not. Portions of its original property have been sold for everything from the neighboring gas station to the DART rail line that now passes overhead. Their operation hasn’t changed too much either. Orders and bills are still written out by hand, payable by cash only.
Club Schmitz has grown quite a following from the Employees at Southwest. Being just a quick drive away from our various Headquarters locations over the years, it has played host to many retirement lunches, department lunches, or even the occasional costume contest. It’s even been rumored to have hosted many clandestine meetings with Herb, Colleen, and other Executives in years past.
Colleen and 35-year Club Schmitz waitress Sheila
While co-owners Bob and Larry Schmitz haven’t publically commented on their future plans, they recently told the
Dallas Morning News they “look to do something new” when interviewed about the upcoming closing. There are no formal plans for closing events, but Club Schmitz loyal Customers are flocking in for one last chance to dine around the various Southwest planes and images which have adorned the walls for many years. It’s your last opportunity to grab a burger or beer at this Dallas, and Southwest, favorite.
A recent SAGE (Southwest Airlines Golden Eagle) retiree lunch
Club Schmitz 1960