A local couple has purchased Miller’s Grill in southern Houston and have plans to change its name.
Jarid and Jennifer Scheets officially took ownership of Miller’s on Aug. 17. Soon, they say, the familiar restaurant will be named “Walter’s Grill” after Jarid’s given first name.
“This is something we’ve always wanted to do,” Jarid said. “Jenn used to work in the restaurant industry, and she loves to cook and can do it well. And I’ve been on the road a long time, and this seemed like the right time to do it.
“The opportunity became available, and we thought it over and jumped in with both feet.”
Jennifer is also director for the Houston Housing Authority and sells real estate with a local firm. Jarid was employed by Pacific Daylighting LLC (out of Pacific), but stopped that to work full-time at Miller’s. The Scheets also have a cattle farm in Texas County.
Changes they’ve already made at the restaurant include tweaking the menu a bit, and bringing back a few favorites from the past.
“We listened to the customers when it came to that,” Jennifer said.
“As time goes on, we’ll make more changes,” Jarid said. “Just not too much at one time.”
Near the beginning of 2019, the building’s interior will undergo a major remodeling, including updating walls, tabletops, the bar area, ceiling tiles, carpet and much more.
“We just want to clean the place up and brighten it up,” Jarid said.
Jarid said treating employees like friends and family is a priority. Miller’s Grill currently has 25 staff members.
“I think it’s important to treat them like you would anyone else, instead of treating them like an employee,” Jarid said.
“We have a really talented bunch here,” Jennifer said.
“There’s a lot of experience and a lot of years,” Jarid said. “They’re the ones who really make this go.”
The Scheets have five daughters and plan to have them work at the restaurant through the years. Keeping ownership local was a key in the couple’s decision to buy Miller’s.
“So far, we’ve had a lot of positive feedback and lots of people are glad it stayed local,” Jennifer said. “We’ve had a lot of people come back and say they enjoyed it.”
“We’re wanting to create a family environment,” Jarid said, “and we’re basically just trying to put love back in the food and offer great service. And we want it to be a place where the last time you came, you got great food, had great service and felt like you were in a great environment.”
Hours at Miller’s Grill (soon to be Walter’s Grill) are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
“We’ve had people ask, but we’re not going to do breakfast,” Jarid said. “We’re just going to keep doing what we do.”
The phone number at Miller’s Grill is 417-967-5200.
“We’re excited about this,” Jarid said. “It’s long hours and lots of work, but we feel great about it.”