Episode 48: Kyle Mylius

Kyle Mylius fell in love with the restaurant business while working as a corporate service trainer. "I may have been a terrible college student, but I was wonderful at working with people,” he says, adding, “I enjoyed hospitality right away because it required teaching and serving." He went on to manage an independent coffeehouse and help its owners expand the concept with two additional units. At that point, Kyle knew restaurant ownership was to be his future.

Learn how Kyle, in 2005 armed with only $10,000 and ambition, took over the basement of a beautiful historic building in downtown New Braunfels, Texas, with his business partner. There they created the Root Cellar, a casual café furnished with items collected at garage sales, displaying artwork by local artists, and featuring live entertainment by local musicians. Kyle describes the seasonal menu as "American favorites with a twist." 

After 17 years in business, Root Cellar continues to enjoy a strong connection with the community and led the way to the development of two other successful concepts - Tin Top Burgers and Rhea’s Ice Cream, with two units.

Today, says Kyle, "I see my role as providing support to the units. Providing growth for key staff is critical for expansion in today’s market and allowing a sense of ownership among management helps them better focus on the business.”

With Tin Top Burgers and two Rhea’s Ice Cream parlors operating in the same locale as Root Cellar, Kyle set his sights on expanding into the neighboring community of Gruene, Texas. In 2018, he opened the Gruene Grove bar, along with a third Rhea’s Ice Cream. His future includes plans for continued business growth in the markets he knows. 

Says Kyle: “Community matters. Not everything may work everywhere, so I recommend you stay where you are known and accepted."