Wheel Cafe Closes; New Pub Coming to Conroe Site

**The Wheel Cafe Closes Doors After 11 Years; New Pub Concept to Take Over Conroe Location**

Conroe, TX – After serving the Conroe community for over a decade, The Wheel Cafe, a beloved spot known for its breakfast, lunch, and coffee, officially closed its doors for good on January 12th. The closure marks the end of an 11-year run for the cafe, which first opened in 2013, with its owners citing the sale of their building as the primary factor in their decision to move on.

Located at 230 S. Loop 336 W., Ste. B, The Wheel Cafe had become a local favorite for its comforting menu and friendly atmosphere. Regular patrons expressed sadness at its departure, often recalling its popular breakfast tacos, hearty sandwiches, and consistent coffee service.

“It’s always difficult to say goodbye to a place that has been a part of so many people’s daily routines and special moments,” said Sarah Jenkins, a long-time Conroe resident and regular at The Wheel Cafe. “We’ll certainly miss the friendly faces and the great food.”

The property transaction that led to the cafe’s closure occurred in November of 2023, when the building was purchased by local entrepreneur Ryan Butler. Butler is already a familiar name in the Conroe dining scene as the owner of The Golden Retriever Pub, located just a few miles away. The acquisition represents an expansion of Butler’s investment in the growing Conroe market.

“The decision to close The Wheel Cafe was not made lightly,” said a representative for the former owners, who wished to remain anonymous. “We’re incredibly grateful to our loyal customers and dedicated staff who made the last 11 years so special. The opportunity to sell the building presented a natural pivot point for us to explore new ventures, and while it’s bittersweet, we’re looking forward to what comes next for us personally.”

Ryan Butler confirmed his plans to transform the former cafe space into a brand-new dining establishment. The proposed concept, tentatively named “The Blue Collie Pub,” aims to bring a fresh option to Conroe’s dynamic culinary landscape.

“When this location became available, we saw an incredible opportunity to expand our vision for community-focused pubs here in Conroe,” Butler stated. “The Wheel Cafe had a fantastic run and a dedicated customer base, and we want to honor that legacy by bringing something equally special to this spot. We envision The Blue Collie Pub as a welcoming neighborhood hub, offering a diverse selection of craft beers, elevated pub fare, and a comfortable atmosphere for families and friends.”

Butler indicated that renovations would begin in the coming months, with an ambitious target opening sometime in late 2024 or early 2025. While specific menu details are still under development, residents can anticipate a selection of unique drafts, creative cocktails, and a menu designed to complement the pub’s relaxed ambiance.

The announcement comes as Conroe continues to experience significant growth, with a surge in new businesses and residents. The addition of The Blue Collie Pub is expected to further diversify the city’s dining and entertainment options, particularly along the bustling Loop 336 corridor.

“Conroe’s dining scene is constantly evolving, and we’re excited to contribute to that growth,” Butler added. “We believe The Blue Collie Pub will fill a niche, providing another quality gathering place for locals and visitors alike. We encourage everyone to keep an eye on our social media channels – likely @TheBlueColliePub on platforms like Facebook and Instagram – for updates on our progress and opening date.”

For now, the space at 230 S. Loop 336 W., Ste. B awaits its transformation, ushering in a new chapter for a location that has long served as a gathering point for the Conroe community.