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Johnson City

The following history was developed with permission from the owners from the public materials available at Buddy's Feed Mill Restaurant, located in the Feed Mill Building.

HISTORY OF THE FEED MILL:

Johnson City truly is a step back in time, where neighbors share smiles and the warmth of a small town. A town full of dreams with the will to keep the history of Texas. you will find yourselves wanting more than a day in this setting, and on thing for sure you will never be the same.

The Mill demonstrates the dynamic agricultural roots that are the heritage and the pride of Texas heartland. According to Blanco County History, the Crofts' Mill was built as a steam grist mill and cotton gin in 1880 for James Polk Johnson.

In 1901, they used stones from a rock fence surrounding the Johnson Settlement (adjacent to the property) to build a flour mill. George Crofts, an acknowledged genius of mechanical gadgets, converted the Mill in the late 1930's to produce agricultural feed. The Mill operated until the 1980's and still contains the rather innovative and unique equipment designed by Crofts.

Within the historic setting of the Old Crofts' Mill a unique restaurant evolved. One that will delight the young and the old, a place full of fun, laughter, and down home hospitality. The Feed Mill Cafe was the brainchild of Tommy Thompson of Lubbock, TX and the first name was "Tommy's Fried Green Tomatoes".

Charles Trois, an artist, entrepreneur, inventor ad musician bought the abandoned Crofts' Mill around 1992, with no real plans in mind for its development he just wanted to preserve the past. Trois got to work with a few friends, Tommy Thompson, Nancy Coplin, Linda Wiles and Joanie Thompson cleaning the complex, removing old equipment, salvaging what they could and rebuilding the rest. You just haven't see anything like it before. From its "tail trompel" old tower with its faux workmanship, created by Austin artist Nathan Jenson, leaning out over traffic whizzing by on US Highway 290, to the restroom walls, painted by Joanie Thompson, that have given new meaning to the term "hand painted". It is truly a must for memories to tell the family and friends about.

In 1998 Mbandi Inc. of Branson, Missouri purchased the Feed Mill Complex.

On April 1, 2001 Jon & Sandi Seaux took over the management of the complex, and Fletcher Johnson retuned to become General Manager/Chef of the Feed Mill Cafe.

(We welcome submission of updates, additions, corrections & digital photos, without compensation.)

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