By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Tiger Station returns to Hays under the ownership of Verdant Bistro, which now operates Kluckin Chicken and Shirley's German To Go.
Tiger Station, 700 Main St., was previously home to Fusion by Manual and an old gas station.
Verdant Bistro Owner Austin Petz said he was given the opportunity to operate in the historic building and couldn't pass it up.
"We want to give Hays something local, better ingredients and cleaner ingredients while still maintaining that affordable price," Petz said.
Petz opened Verdant Bistro in August of last year and said opening Tiger Station aims to offer a more accessible dining choice.
While fast food options in Hays can fulfill that need, Petz strives to compete with corporate chains by offering quality ingredients.
The menu features the Tiger Station burger, the spicy boi burger, all-day breakfast items and local beer, which will be available soon.
"I have to recommend our tiger-style fries," Petz said. "I also have to definitely recommend our burnt-end tiger dog."
Additional menu items, like crispies and pretzel bites, evoke nostalgia for a gas station, matching the interior and exterior design.
The building features a wall with historic photos of Hays and the downtown area. The patio includes a Sinclair gas pump for display and outdoor seating that Petz plans to make the most of.
"The idea is to get a nice projector TV screen outside. You can expect us to be playing many of the Kansas City Chiefs football games," he said.
Petz said he would also like to implement an app with a reward system and offer midnight hours of operation at Tiger Station.
Tiger Station is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.
You can follow Tiger Station and Verdant Bistro on Facebook.
Kluckin' Chicken and Shirley's German To Go
Petz aims to update Kluckin' Chicken and Shirley's German To Go, including plans for rebranding.
Petz said he would rename Kluckin' Chicken to Coupe and reinvent its menu, focusing on fresh, quality ingredients at an affordable price.
"I've heard a lot from the community and their thoughts," Petz said. "We're going to bring in some really great chicken sandwiches."
Given Hays's German heritage, Petz said that running Shirley's German To Go is challenging as the restaurant strives to satisfy everyone's past experiences with German food.
"You have people that will go in there and say, 'Oh, if this doesn't taste like my mom's cooking, it's not good,'" he said.
Petz said Shirley German To Go will not see major changes for the time being.
With more restaurants on his plate, Petz remains optimistic, thanks to his several years of experience in the field.
"The restaurant industry is very risky. There are many ups and downs, and it doesn't matter who you are. It's always going to be like that," he said.
Petz also operates his own catering company, AGourmet, which sprouted into Verdant Bistro.
You can also follow Kluckin' Chicken, Shirley's German To Go and Verdant Bistro on Facebook.