Today we’d like to introduce you to Casey Frank.
Hi Casey, 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?
With a background in marketing and advertising, I launched my own graphic design and photography business in 2015. By 2020, one of my clients was The Vineyard at Gruene, where I initially took over their social media. That role evolved quickly—I stepped into general management, and in early 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to acquire the business.
What was once a wedding and events venue is now The Villa – a full-service bar and live music locale in the “Upside” of Gruene’s Historic District. We’ve transitioned the space into a true community hangout, open daily, with signature cocktails, a game room, sports, food trucks, three stages for live music and a welcoming atmosphere for locals, visitors, kids and dogs.
At the end of the day, everything I do is about creating space: for connection, for live music and for people who give a damn about our community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not a smooth road, but I don’t think the good ones ever are!
I had run a business before, but stepping into ownership of a bar was an entirely different beast. Aside from the occasional ladies’ night out, I had zero real experience in a bar, let alone knowing how to operate one. Everything from POS system setups to licensing to inventory was a crash course I had to teach myself in real time.
Shifting The Villa from a part-time wedding venue/winery into a full-time bar and live music space came with its own growing pains. We had to reintroduce ourselves to the community, rebuild a reputation and earn trust as a consistent, quality hangout spot. That meant long days, tight budgets and constantly juggling creativity with logistics.
Managing people was also a brand-new challenge. Learning how to lead a team, build trust, set expectations and still create a culture that felt warm, welcoming and safe – it all took time and plenty of trial and error.
There were moments I felt completely in over my head. And then there’s the emotional side of it – pouring your heart into a space, a scene, a dream – and still needing to pay the bills. It’s a hustle. But it’s the kind that’s rooted in purpose. Every hurdle teaches me how to be resourceful, how to lead with conviction and care and how to keep showing up, even when it’s hard.
That’s been the key: staying flexible, staying humble yet confident and being willing to figure it out as we go.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
With a background in marketing, advertising and design, I’m confident in saying – I know how to capture attention. Whether it’s a perfectly timed Instagram reel, a witty marquee sign or a beautifully crafted cocktail menu, everything we do at The Villa is rooted in intentional, creative branding.
We’ve built something special – something that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Our social media is playful and bold. Our website is clean and beautiful. Our vibe is equal parts elevated and unfiltered. We’re not afraid to be a little silly, poke fun at ourselves and lean into the weird. That honesty connects with people. It makes us memorable.
What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve created. The Villa isn’t just a bar – it’s a local hangout, a place where live music thrives, kids and dogs are welcome, and patrons feel like regulars after just one visit. From the bottom to the top, we’re enjoying the hell out of this life and it shows.
We lead with personality, consistency and heart. And we live our brand – our whole team does. We listen to our patrons. It takes a village and ours is a great one.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I never fully know what I’m doing. People see the confidence, the bold ideas, the momentum – but behind the scenes, it’s a lot of deep breaths and “hope this works.” I’m brave, a little crazy and I don’t lose sleep over what people think about me personally. But I do question every decision when it comes to the people who count on The Villa to be successful – my family, our incredible team, our patrons and the community we serve. It might look effortless from the outside, but the truth is, I care deeply and that’s what keeps me up at night. Not fear. Not ego. Just wanting to get it right.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.drinklokal.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DRINKLOKALNB
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drinklokalatthevilla/
Image Credits
Provided by The Villa
