The Cadillac Pizza Pub Serves Up a Smooth Rideby Autumn Rhea Carpenter On a recent Thursday night, I discovered a little piece of Austin at the Cadillac Pizza Pub, (affectionately nicknamed The Caddy) located in the heart of historical downtown McKinney. While conversing with the pub's owners, Bobby and Johnnie Collins, I learned that Collin County residents who miss watching live music can get their fix at this Southern flavored establishment, which exudes all things music, family and community.
 At first glance, its red-checkered tablecloths, exposed red brick and poster-clad walls offer its clientele a cozy place to enjoy homemade brick oven pizza and toast a cocktail or two. With walls equipped with a Shiner, Texas, population 2,070 sign, the traditional blue Marlin and numerous photographs of musicians who have graced their stage, this self-proclaimed family hangout offers a truly welcoming vibe. Well-placed chandeliers offer mood lighting and the staff buzzes around the tables, delivering fresh food and refilling drinks with a positive demeanor. The building once served as a printing company, (paper rollers still hang amongst the rafters) and is situated across the street from the historic Collin County prison, which housed Frank James, Ray Hamilton and Charles "Tex" Watson. (The institution closed in 1979 after 99 years of service.)
 While inhaling the famed Escalade pizza, a New York-style (thin-crusted) goodness piled with honey-smoked Canadian bacon, Italian sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, red onions, black olives, pepperoni, Roma tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, and learning about the local music scene, a 14-year-old teen saxophone player joined the ongoing jam session and quickly grabbed the audience's attention and never let it go. The shaggy haired teen named Ben (A pole vaulter by day who is coached by Buzz Andrews, the pub's musical staple) stole the limelight with his smooth stylings versed well beyond his years. Ben's parents and sister sat in front of our table, beaming with pride at the night's surprise talent. The sax wailed, guitar shredded, stand-up bass plucked and harmonica trilled while the diverse crowd, ranging from babies to bikers, appeared completely enthralled with the entertainment experience.
"Everyone here shares a true love for live music," said Bobby. "We have a lot of old rockers who consistently offer amazing talent, as well as newbies who bring an energy to this place. The magic of Thursday open-mic jam night is that you never know who will show up. We don’t want to pigeonhole The Caddy by labeling it a blues bar. It's an eclectic collection of jazz, rockabilly, Zydeco, Southern rock and more. Additionally, we’re a family establishment; this is a place where you can bring your kids and they can experience live music for themselves." The couple explains how since purchasing the pub a year ago, they have transformed the Cadillac Pizza Pub's image from a sports/blues bar to a neighborhood place that appreciates good music and community. "Collin County continues to grow, and people want to enjoy live music without driving into Dallas," said Bobby. "We've worked with the City of McKinney and McKinney Main Street to develop a restaurant association that has helped boost our role here. A strong outpouring of community support for various charity fundraisers has also cemented our place amongst the other businesses here on the square."  Bobby's infatuation with music and owning a bar and grill began over 30 years ago. He managed he premier club Élan in Dallas in 1970s, where Andy Warhol and the cast of Dallas were regularly seen. "I was first introduced to the inner working of the restaurant business as a kid," said Bobby. "I always loved the people contact and the music, but was not as crazy about the hours." The couple started a family, and four children and five granddaughters later decided that it was time to realize their dream of pub ownership. "This is Bobby's baby," said Johnnie. "I love being a part of this journey, but he deserves all of the accolades."
 The Caddy's staff considers themselves a family, with a low turnover rate and an obvious interest in each other’s well being. "I couldn't ask for a more supportive place to work," said general manager Jacque Paine who has spent 21 years working in restaurants, nine of those in a management role. "It's definitely a restaurant first that offers a full bar. The music is just icing on the cake, ranging from a 12-year old boy playing drums to a mind-blowing soul guitarist. You never know what to expect and that adds to the total experience. The musicians, patrons and employees are all connected, and truly care about each other. That’s what gives this place its spirit.”
 The Caddy’s chalkboard near the front door quickly filled with names of eager "jammers." Andrews playfully brought different players on stage, rocked his guitar to life and included the audience in every song. "Bands enjoy playing here because our patrons come for the music," said Jonnie. "They give the musicians their full attention with absolutely no pretension. A large flat screen TV projects the shows, and allows participants to watch themselves perform. That technology really adds to the concert feeling.”
 The Caddy offers various music-themed nights, including Tuesday night karaoke, Wednesday band review, Thursday open mic jam session, Friday and Saturday night live music and Sunday all day happy hour. "Thanks to our Wednesday night booking manager Mark Sena and new band booking manager Quinten Hope, we're booked through September," said Bobby. "Collin County can now experience the works of bands like The Maylee Thomas Band and PushRod by visiting our pub. We're thrilled to bring this caliber of musicians to Collin County."
 The pub also hosts a variety of events, including magic shows by “Magic Man” Rob Weems, kids’ birthday parties and supports various local festivals including the annual Krewe of Barkus and fundraising for the 23rd Christian Bikers Association.
 In restaurant terms, the Cadillac Pizza Pub offers a broad range of dining choices, including salads, nachos and pizza rolls. The pizzas and nachos are served on a decorative iron stand that offers a unique culinary presentation. "Since our tables are smallish, the stands allow our customers elbow room, while showcasing the dish in a different way," said Bobby. The Caddy is known for its homemade pizzas, but they offer many other choices, including sandwiches, hot wings, pasta and quesadillas. The pizza dough and sauce is handmade daily, with several available choices such as the custom Caddy, low-rider, Seville, Allante, Coupe DeVille, stretch, pink Caddy, El Dorado, Brougham, Catera, Fleetwood and the Cadillac Texas special (CTS). Flavors range from Hawaiian to Mexican to vegetarian and can be custom designed. “We're not interested in the fast-food experience, and want our customers to take the time to settle into our spirited environment to enjoy our cuisine,” said Bobby.
 Depending on the day of the week, an outing to the Cadillac Pizza Pub could promise a musical entertainment presented by a group of 16-year-old karaoke novices or seasoned studio musicians. Regardless, if you bring your appetite and music appreciation, you won't be disappointed. You might not be sitting in the 'live music capital of the world,' but it definitely comes close.
Cadillac Pizza Pub
http://www.myspace.com/cadillacpizzapub
112 S. Kentucky Street
McKinney, TX, 75069
972.547.3833 (DUDE)
Tuesday - Thursday: 5pm – 12am
Fridays - 11am – 12am
Saturdays - 11am – 1am
Sundays - 12pm – 7pm Photo credits: Don Simmons, The Gulch Gallery
http://www.thegulchgallery.net
214.213.7464
dwsimmonsjr@tx.rr.com |
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