Running M Bar and Grill named Main Street Business of Month

Located at 520 St. Paul St. in the heart of downtown Gonzales, the Running M Bar and Grill has become a local favorite for its inviting atmosphere, delicious food, and live entertainment.

Owned by Sydney Allen and Devon Warzecha since 2022, the Running M continues to build on a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century.

The building, originally constructed in 1889 as the Cavett-Maurin Building, housed Boothe & Lewis Hardware starting in 1896 and served the Gonzales community for decades finally closing its doors in 1988.

After a stint as Rogers Pizza, the building was purchased by local entrepreneur Marlene Metzler in 2011 following her retirement from a state job. After extensive renovations that preserved the original brickwork and incorporated historical relics, Metzler opened the Running M, transforming the space into a cozy bar and grill with a nod to its past.

Manager Payton Kuntschik, who has been with the Running M since its opening, says one of the highlights of being located downtown is "being in the middle of everybody coming in and out."

With its prime location in Gonzales Main Street district, the restaurant benefits from foot traffic during community events, making it a bustling spot, particularly on weekends when downtown comes alive with people enjoying local bars, shops, and dining options.

Running M serves up a variety of freshly prepared dishes from 11 a.m. to midnight, with daily specials inspired by family recipes. While they have a full bar, the menu goes well beyond typical bar food, offering ribeye steaks, hamburger steaks, sandwiches, and house favorites like chicken salad and jambalaya.

Their daily specials have included comfort foods such as meatloaf, beef tips and rice, chicken spaghetti, and King Ranch chicken. The restaurant also boasts a fresh salad bar for lighter fare.

On weekends, the Running M comes alive with live music, featuring DJs, acoustic performances, and local bands. Their spacious back patio, added in 2014, is a popular spot for private events, including Christmas parties, weddings, graduation celebrations, and even the occasional goat roping. The patio offers plenty of space for both small gatherings and larger crowds, making it a versatile venue for various events.

With 30 employees, the Running M has become a cornerstone of the downtown community, catering to both locals and visitors. Its busiest times are weekends, particularly Saturdays when events at J.B. Wells Park bring in visitors for dinner and drinks.

The Running M Bar and Grill continues to be a beloved gathering place, offering great food, lively entertainment, and a welcoming atmosphere steeped in Gonzales history. Whether you're stopping by for a meal, a drink, or to catch some live music, you'll find a piece of Gonzales' past and present thriving at the Running M.