By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
As Whiskey Creek bids farewell, Breaks Eatery & Bar will open in Hays and serve fresh morning flavors.
The new establishment, which specializes in breakfast, brunch, and lunch, replaces the former Whiskey Creek location at 3203 Vine St.
Chuck Comeau, a managing member, said the franchise-owned restaurant is transforming into a distinct locally-owned business.
"Everything will be rebranded, from the logo to the plates and silverware," he said. "Everything is going to be in and of itself a representation of the new brand."
Comeau said the plan is to open on May 15 as construction progresses on interior and exterior designs.
The menu will feature a variety of items for different meal times, including sandwiches, pasta, distinctive salads and Belgian waffles.
The restaurant will also include a morning bar offering with a diverse wine selection, as well as mimosas, Bellini's and Bloody Mary's.
Comeau said the patio area of Breaks will be enclosed to provide privacy and ensure customers enjoy dining outside as much as they do indoors.
"We want people to be inspired by it as opposed to just being your typical breakfast place," he said.
The exterior and interior of the restaurant are undergoing remodeling to adopt a new modern atmosphere by scrubbing away Whiskey Creek traits.
Whiskey Creek had been a fixture in Hays for 18 years until February when Comeau said it was time to innovate.
"We decided to do something different and bring a new direction to what was here," he said. "People have to do that in business. They have to constantly reinvent themselves, or else it just dies."
Comeau said the shift from steak to breakfast reflects a demand for breakfast-focused restaurants in Hays while offering other meal options.
"We've taken that same energy that people normally put to innovate in the lunch and dinner timeframe and focus it on breakfast, brunch and lunch," he said.
Customers with Whiskey Creek gift certificates that have yet to expire can still redeem them at Breaks despite the franchise restaurant's closure.
Breaks remodeling is set to conclude in May but is subject to change due to construction delays. Recent developments involve tile work, lighting, ceiling and kitchen renovations.
Comeau said an opening celebration is probable. The current focus is on assembling a team to serve the community.
"We're always looking for anyone who loves to cook and loves food because that's who we are, people who love food and love to cook," he said.
Breaks Eatery & Bar is looking to hire hardworking people who want a career in the culinary and hospitality industry. You can find more information here.
Breaks will be open from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mondays through Sundays.
You can also follow Breaks Eatery & Bar on Facebook.