If you’ve ever driven the long, shimmering stretch of I-10 between Houston and San Antonio, you know Schulenburg. It’s that spot where the "Painted Churches" signs start popping up and you suddenly realize you’re hungry for something that didn't come out of a drive-thru window. For years, the move was simple: pull off the highway, find Main Street, and look for the big red brick building.
That’s Momma's at Sengelmann Hall. Or at least, it was.
As of early 2026, the status of this legendary spot has been a major talking point for locals and road-trippers alike. To understand what’s happening now, you kinda have to understand the weird, beautiful history of the place. It’s not just a restaurant. It’s a 130-year-old time capsule that has survived fires, world wars, and decades of being used as—believe it or not—an auto parts warehouse.
The Story Behind Momma's at Sengelmann Hall
The building dates back to 1894. Back then, the Sengelmann brothers built it as a "gentlemen’s saloon" and a community hub. The downstairs was for drinking and deal-making; the upstairs was a massive dance hall where the German and Czech immigrants of Fayette County could blow off steam.
But things changed. The hall closed around the start of World War II and basically went into a coma. For about 60 years, people in Schulenburg literally forgot what was upstairs. It became a Western Auto store. They stacked tires and fan belts on the original long-leaf pine floors.
Then came Dana Harper. He’s an artist and a "Texas boy" who saw the potential in the ruins. He spent a fortune—about $2 million—restoring it to its 1890s glory. We’re talking pressed tin ceilings, marble pillars with actual bullet holes from old-school brawls, and that incredible 4,000-square-foot dance floor.
Eventually, Garrett Pettit took the reins of the kitchen. Garrett is a Schulenburg legend. He started "Momma's Pizza" with his mom when he was just 13. When he moved his recipes into Sengelmann Hall, it became Momma's at Sengelmann Hall. He brought the pizza, the fried chicken, and that "pul-a-pul" (Czech for half-and-half) vibe that defines the region.
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What’s Happening with Momma's Right Now?
Here is the part that gets people confused. In early 2025, news broke that Garrett Pettit was retiring. He’d been in the business for 50 years. He was tired. The building is massive, and upkeep on a historic site is a nightmare.
The building was put on the market for roughly $1.8 million.
So, if you show up today, what do you find? Honestly, it’s a bit of a transition period. While the "Momma's" brand and Garrett's specific touch have shifted toward his catering business (Garrett Cooks), the hall itself remains the crown jewel of downtown. The property includes the adjacent 1894 City Meat Market building, which houses the modern commercial kitchen.
Why the Sunday Plate Mattered
If you missed the Sunday lunch at Momma’s, you missed a Texas ritual. It wasn't a fancy menu. It was a fixed plate. Usually, it was:
- Juicy fried chicken (the kind that leaves your fingers shiny).
- Mashed potatoes with the skins still in 'em.
- Broccoli with that thick cheese sauce.
- Green beans that tasted like they’d been simmering since Tuesday.
It was $12.99 of pure nostalgia. People would drive from Austin just for the cinnamon pastry at the end. It wasn't "chef-driven" molecular gastronomy. It was "grandma-driven" comfort.
The "Halfway to Everywhere" Problem
Schulenburg calls itself "halfway to everywhere." It’s 95 miles from Houston, 105 from San Antonio, and 80 from Austin. That’s a blessing and a curse.
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Momma's at Sengelmann Hall relied on that "stopping through" traffic. But the real soul of the place was the Thursday night honky-tonk piano or the Sunday afternoon polka. Without a steady hand in the kitchen and a promoter for the upstairs stage, a 10,000-square-foot historic building is just a very expensive museum.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Hall
You’ll hear people say the place is "haunted" or "abandoned." Neither is quite right.
It's "resting."
The owner, Dana Harper, moved to Prague years ago, but he’s been vocal about wanting to pass the torch to someone who respects the history. He doesn't want it turned into a boutique gym or a generic office space. He wants the boots back on the floor.
The complexity of running a place like this is wild. You have to manage:
- The Saloon: A high-volume bar with historic fixtures.
- The Restaurant: Serving regional Czech-German-Texas fusion.
- The Dance Hall: A venue that holds 400 people and needs a pro sound system.
- The Beer Garden: An outdoor space that's perfect for weddings but useless in a Texas July heatwave.
It's a lot for one person. That’s why the "Momma's" era was so special—it felt like a family operation even when it was a massive commercial undertaking.
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Is it Still Worth the Stop?
If you’re a fan of Texas history, yes. Absolutely.
Even if the kitchen isn't churning out 500 plates of fried chicken this Sunday, the building itself is a National Register of Historic Places landmark. You can still see the stenciling on the walls and the original chicken wire around the bar.
Schulenburg is tiny, but it’s resilient. Across the street, you’ve got the Texas Polka Music Museum. Down the road, you’ve got the Von Minden Hotel (which Garrett also had a hand in). The town doesn't let these places die easily.
What to Do If You're Planning a Trip
- Check the Facebook Page: This is the most "Texas small town" advice I can give. Don't trust Google Maps hours. Check the Momma's at Sengelmann Hall or the main Sengelmann Hall social media pages. They’ll post if there’s a private event or a pop-up dinner.
- Call Ahead: Seriously. (979) 743-2300. If someone picks up, ask what’s cooking.
- Look for Garrett: If you’re specifically looking for that Momma’s flavor, look for Garrett Cooks. He still does catering and offsite events in the area.
The transition of Momma's at Sengelmann Hall is a reminder that these historic spaces are fragile. They aren't corporate chains with infinite budgets. They’re run by people like Garrett who eventually want to go fishing and owners like Dana who want to see the legacy live on.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you find yourself in Schulenburg and the Hall is between "acts," don't just get back on the highway.
First, walk the perimeter of the building. The brickwork and the balcony are stunning examples of late 19th-century architecture that you just don't see anymore. Second, head over to the Texas Polka Music Museum right next door. It gives you the context you need to understand why a 5,000-square-foot dance floor was necessary in a town this small.
Lastly, keep an eye on the real estate listings or local news from the Fayette County Record. A building this iconic won't stay quiet for long. Someone with a vision for the next "Momma's" is likely already eyeing those long-leaf pine floors, waiting to hear the sound of a fiddle and the clink of a beer mug once again.
When you do visit, bring cash, an appetite for history, and maybe some comfortable shoes. You never know when a polka might break out.