OST Restaurant transformed into a hub for healing, offering free meals to first responders and rallying neighbors to raise money for flood victims.
BANDERA, Texas — In the aftermath of the deadly floods that devastated the Texas Hill Country, one Bandera business is proving just how far a hot meal and a helping hand can go.
OST (Oldest Spanish Trail) Restaurant is a 100-year-old family-run establishment that’s been serving the community since 1921. The eatery quickly transformed into a hub for healing, offering free meals to first responders and rallying neighbors to raise money for flood victims.
As rising waters displaced families and overwhelmed roadways, the restaurant began providing free coffee and biscuits and gravy to those on the frontlines.
“The best thing we can do… is make available free coffee and homemade biscuits and gravy to all of our first responders,” said co-owner Diana Walters.
But the support didn’t stop there. Walters and her team joined forces with Bandera Brewery and Jimmy’s Burgers, two nearby small businesses, to launch a 50/50 raffle—with all proceeds going to the Kerr County Flood Relief Organization.
“As soon as we put that flyer up, tickets started selling,” said General Manager Robert Hatton. “We just sold out yesterday.”
The demand was so strong, they had to go back and print more. Community members, many of whom were directly impacted by the flooding, didn’t hesitate to step up.
“Pretty much everybody in this community just raised their hands and said, ‘What can we do? How fast can we do it?’” Walters said.
Waitress Jordan Shorty said the energy inside the restaurant has been heavier recently but also filled with purpose.
“People come in with a heavy heart but they want to help in any way they can. It’s unspoken… but you can feel the energy,” said Shorty.
For Shorty, this tragedy is personal. Her brother’s ranch was surrounded by floodwaters and his home was damaged.
“No one was harmed… but they were trapped,” she said. “We’re just doing everything we can to help.”
In addition to feeding first responders, OST also made the decision to close early on July 4 to allow staff—many of whom live near dangerous crossings—to get home safely.
This isn’t the first time OST has responded to crisis. During Hurricane Harvey, and even as far back as the 1978 flood, the restaurant has served as a lifeline—cooking with borrowed power, leaning on community and always showing up.
“It’s stories like that that build this place and make it a special place,” Hatton said. “Bandera is a very community-focused town. Our neighbors are very close.”
Now, that closeness is what’s fueling the flood recovery—one plate, one ticket and one act of kindness at a time.
“It’s a beautiful thing for the community to come together in such a tragic time,” said Shorty. “That is the silver lining.”