By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The hard work of an employee couple at Hays Trio Tap House has paid off as they have become the new owners.
Clay and Claudia Gilbert have worked at the tap house, 1106 E. 27th St. Suite 10, for about nine years and are now stepping up to run the steakhouse.
The newlyweds first crossed paths while holding various positions at the restaurant, including server, bartender, supervisor and manager.
"That's where we first met was through working there. We didn't start dating or become a couple until 2019," Clay said.
Established 10 years ago, Trio Tap House was owned by Mario Gutierrez, who had long planned to step away from the business.
Discussions about changing ownership began in 2023 when Mario approached Clay with his and Claudia's dream offer.
"I went home and told Claudia, and she was ecstatic. She was ready to go," Clay said.
With the purchase finalized on May 15, Clay and Claudia plan to maintain the restaurant, making only minor changes by introducing new dishes.
"What we're trying to do is not change what's been working but bring in some different things," Claudia said.
The current menu features handcrafted salads, prime steaks, seafood, burgers and an array of sandwiches and cocktails.
As employees, Clay and Claudia yearned to have their own restaurant or take over one of Mario's locations in Hays.
"We were excited. It was one of those surreal moments like it could actually be happening after all those years of joking around," Clay said.
Mario's second location, Gutierrez Mexican Restaurant at 1106 E. 27th St., originated in Russell in 1972 before relocating to Hays in 1984.
Trio Tap House is named after Mario's three sons, each of whom has found success outside the culinary industry, from running a boat company in Texas to pursuing an acting career in New York City.
After entrusting his business to Clay and Claudia, Mario remains committed to helping the couple manage his former eatery.
"We've always been entrepreneurs in the community and we just want to back off and pass the torch to the next people...," Mario said.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for later this year, but no official date is set. Clay and Claudia celebrated their first anniversary on May 27 after purchasing the tap house.
"He offered us this opportunity, and it was everything we had been talking about and praying for," Claudia said.
Mario and his wife, Karen Gutierrez, hope to focus more on their family. Their three sons and one daughter live outside Hays.
"We're looking to take time to do things we want to do," Mario said. "Mainly spend more time with our grandchildren and our own children," Mario said.
Trio Tap House is open:
4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.Thursday
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday
11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday
You can visit Trio Tap House's website here and follow them on Facebook.