Today we’d like to introduce you to Bryan Villalobos.
Hi Bryan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey to The Villa wasn’t necessarily defined by one major milestone, but more by a desire to build something meaningful in a community that had given me a place to call home. I’m originally from Katy, Texas, and spent several years in Central Texas before officially making Temple home in 2020.
The Golf Lounge was originally established in 2023, and I acquired the business in 2024 after seeing an opportunity to build upon the concept and create something unique for Central Texas. As an avid golfer, I loved the idea of making the game more accessible while creating an experience that extended beyond golf itself.
That vision eventually became The Villa Golf Lounge. We relocated to Downtown Temple, more than doubled our footprint, and expanded the experience to include larger golf bays, multiple lounge areas, pool tables, a full-service bar, memberships, and a greater emphasis on hospitality and community.
Since then, we’ve been fortunate to experience significant growth, but I still view The Villa as something we’re continually building. Downtown Temple is growing alongside us, and my goal is for The Villa to become a lasting part of that story; a place where people from across Central Texas can come together, compete, relax, and feel genuinely welcomed.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It certainly hasn’t always been a smooth road, but I think that’s part of entrepreneurship. One of the biggest challenges has been taking an existing concept, identifying what we wanted it to become, and then having the patience to build toward that vision.
Relocating and expanding the business brought its own set of challenges. We more than doubled our footprint, expanded our offerings, built a team, and introduced an entirely new identity with The Villa, all while learning what our community responded to and where we needed to improve.
There have certainly been ideas that worked and others that didn’t, along with plenty of adjustments along the way. I’ve learned that growth rarely happens in a straight line. You have to be willing to listen, adapt, and sometimes admit when something isn’t working. Those challenges have ultimately helped shape The Villa into what it is today and continue to influence where we take it next.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Villa Golf Lounge?
The Villa Golf Lounge is an upscale indoor golf and entertainment destination in Downtown Temple built around the idea that golf can be both elevated and approachable. At our core, we offer world-class virtual golf, but we’ve intentionally created an experience that extends far beyond the simulator bays.
Guests can play some of the world’s most recognizable courses, enjoy craft cocktails from our full-service bar, play pool, gather with friends, host private events, or simply spend an evening in one of our lounge spaces. Whether someone is an experienced golfer looking to practice, a group of friends looking for something different to do, or someone who has never picked up a golf club before, we want The Villa to feel like a place for them.
What sets us apart is our approach to hospitality. We draw inspiration from the tradition and sophistication of the country club experience while removing many of the barriers traditionally associated with it. You don’t have to be a member, own clubs, or even know how to golf to walk through our doors and enjoy what we’ve created. At the same time, we offer membership options and an environment that gives passionate golfers a place to make their own.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that The Villa has developed an identity beyond being simply an “indoor golf place.” We’ve worked hard to create a brand centered around community, competition, hospitality, and memorable experiences. From golf and pool to recurring events and private gatherings, there should always be another reason to come back.
Ultimately, I want people to know that The Villa is for more than golfers. Golf may be at the heart of what we do, but hospitality is what defines us. Our goal is to create a destination that feels distinctly Central Texas and becomes a lasting part of the growth and energy happening in Downtown Temple.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
One book that has had a meaningful influence on how I think about business is *Unreasonable Hospitality* by Will Guidara. The idea that great hospitality goes beyond simply providing good service really resonates with what we’re trying to build at The Villa.
It reinforces the importance of paying attention to the small details and looking for opportunities to create experiences people remember. You can have a great product, but ultimately, people remember how you made them feel. That mindset has influenced how I think about our team, our service, and the experience we want every guest to have when they walk through our doors.
Beyond that, I’m a big believer in learning through experience, listening to our team, listening to our patrons, paying attention to other great businesses, and constantly asking what we could be doing better.
Pricing:
- $50 an hour per bay reservation
- $9 – $15 craft cocktails
- $1 games of pool
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.villagolflounge.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/villagolflounge/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/villagolflounge/
