Georgetown diners will notice several fresh touches at the beloved Monument Cafe downtown. While the menu remains rooted in local organic fare, new owner David Schuler, a familiar face at the cafe for over two decades, has introduced an outdoor beer garden, longer daily hours and a convenient Monument Market.
Ownership transition
David Schuler assumed full ownership of the restaurant in March, succeeding founder Rusty Winkstern, who opened the cafe in 1995. Schuler, who joined the business in the late 1990s and has long overseen operations, says the change is “just a changing of the guard, more than ownership.” He continues to greet guests, bus tables and remain hands‑on in daily service.
New beer garden and extended hours
The newly added outdoor beer garden lets patrons enjoy meals and drinks well past the previous 3 p.m. closing time. “It gives us an opportunity to bring the alcohol element in more so than you would at breakfast,” said Cristy Schuler, the cafe’s marketing director and David’s wife. The garden features a rotating selection of craft beers and house‑made cocktails crafted with the same organic ingredients that define the cafe’s kitchen.
In addition to the garden, the cafe now stays open later every day except Tuesday and Wednesday, when it still closes at 3 p.m.
Monument Market
Another addition is the Monument Market, accessed through a new side entrance that repurposes the original door from the former farmers market. The market offers espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, fresh pastries, grab‑and‑go meals and other quick‑service items. Seating was reduced in one corner of the dining area to make room for the market, allowing customers in a hurry to skip the sit‑down wait during busy periods, especially Saturday mornings.
“It’s like Monument on‑the‑go,” Cristy Schuler explained. “We listened to our clientele, and they really want that to be part of their weekend, and we wanted to make it easier for it to be part of their weekend.”
Community focus
Both David and Cristy emphasize the cafe’s role as a community hub. “I really do try to have a servant’s heart. I really want to be the best restaurant with the best service that you can find,” David said. Regulars appreciate the personal connections, with many having favorite waitstaff and dishes. “People have their favorite waitresses, they have their favorite dishes that they order, and we know that,” Cristy added. “It’s really important to us that you feel seen when you’re here—that you’re part of our story.”
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
