Congratulations to San Saba and Clay Nettleship
The Texas Downtown Association is passionate about the social and economic development of Texan communities, providing resources to towns and businesses of all sizes to aid in downtown revitalization. For over 35 years, the organization has recognized outstanding projects, places, and people of Texas Downtowns at the President’s Awards Gala. This year, TDA shined its light on San Saba, awarding not one, but two pillars of our community. Winning the President’s Award for the Best Downtown Business in an Under 50k Population was a recent addition to our town, Pecan House Grill, and receiving the award for Downtowner of the Year was Clayborne “Clay” L. Nettleship.
Downtowner of the Year
Downtowner of the Year is awarded to a person who has shown exemplary commitment to the downtown revitalization program through time given, resources, and leadership. As a result, the community is inspired by the guidance, dedication, and determination of this individual. Humble as he may be, we were not surprised as the award was handed to Clay Nettleship, a San Sabian native whose commitment to the growth of our town is unparalleled. In the twenty years since his return home from college and law school, Clay has played an instrumental role in San Saba’s restoration including starting a number of businesses, funding local projects, and introducing outdoor recreation through a beautiful new LCRA park. He was also crucial in founding the San Saba County Community Foundation – the key to funding the preservation, restoration, and development of many of our downtown buildings. While best known for his two thriving businesses, the Dofflemyer Hotel and Pecan House Grill, Clay’s generosity and vision for his hometown have truly made San Saba the destination it is today. Many worthy recipients have won this distinction in the past but we believe there has never been someone more deserving than Clay Nettleship.
Best Downtown Business
The award for Best Downtown Business recognizes an exceptional establishment that positively promotes the downtown as a destination for locals and tourists alike. The business actively participates in the revitalization efforts and supports downtown promotional events. Pecan House Grill opened in 2020. In a time of hardship, this restaurant ushered in new jobs, freshened a building in need of restoration, and served delicious meals to the San Saba community. An extensive menu of fine steaks, fresh seafood, and southern comfort food caters to locals and attracts visitors all throughout the state of Texas. This building, once empty and decaying in the center of downtown San Saba, now hosts a variety of public events and gathers those in need of community. In just a year since its opening, Pecan House Grill has served a lot more than dinner; no one leaves without a smile, a full belly, and fond memories of the evening just shared with loved ones.
Keep Texas Beautiful
Texas is brimming with exceptional people starting important businesses. To the Texas Downtown Association, thank you for recognizing the hard work in smaller towns and for giving our businesses a larger audience. A downtown is the heart of a city but is often the region facing the most neglect. That is why revitalization programs are so important to keep small towns relevant and our economies flowing. Organizations like Keep San Saba Beautiful and the San Saba County Community Foundation, along with visionaries like Clay Nettleship continue to restore our town and prepare for future success.
Congratulations to all the winners of TDA’s Presidential Awards.