Today we’d like to introduce you to Natili Monsrud.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My family has been visiting Galveston Island since the early 1980’s. In 1989, my parents purchased their first Island getaway home. Quickly, the Island life became ingrained into our souls! In 1997 my family purchased their “forever home” and made the move to full-time Islanders. At the time I was a teacher in the North Dallas area, but I followed them here in 1998 and continued teaching in the Clear Lake area.
All of my life we have had old houses – my father is a handyman extraordinaire who enjoys restoring vintage properties so when they stumbled across the Star Drug Store building for sale – they decided to take on the enormous project of restoring a piece of Galveston history. The building had been empty since 1998 when a fire next door spread onto the property completely gutting the top half of the building and producing extensive smoke and water damage downstairs. I remember walking in the first time and thinking it would be better to tear it down!
It took five years to completely renovate the building top to bottom on part-time schedules of nights and weekends. My parents approached me with the idea of reopening and running the restaurant downstairs. I had the front of the house experience with waiting tables through college and management experience from teaching. I also knew how fickle and tough the restaurant business can be – but since it was an established landmark – I felt I would not have to recreate the name – just build a menu that would bring people back.
I left teaching after thirteen years and in June of 2007, the Star Drug Store reopened for breakfast, lunch and old-time soda fountain treats. We were in operation for a little more than a year when Hurricane Ike flooded us with over six feet of water. It took us three months to clean up, rebuild, and reopen. We are now in our tenth year of operation and looking forward to many more years to come.
Has it been a smooth road?
I think with any small business there are the common obstacles of money, time and clientele. I think most small business owners carry the financial burden on their shoulders until the business can sustain itself. There are misconceptions that come with owning a business (ie: you must be rich, you can take off anytime you like, you have people doing everything for you…)
In reality, the time, money and effort you put into the business, while very much rewarding, can also be trying and challenging. I credit my parents for my work ethic – there is not anything I won’t or haven’t done in this restaurant. I also believe in working with and not just managing my employees. We are a small work family that relies on one another to get the job done.
Living on an Island, the weather is a challenge in itself. With the yearly threats of hurricanes – the uncertainty keeps us on our toes!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Star Drug Store – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Star Drug Store is a historical building operating as a breakfast, soda fountain, and lunch counter. We specialize in delicious omelets, juicy burgers, Reubens on homemade rye bread and creamy milkshakes.
We are proud of preserving a historical part of Galveston past with integrity and good food! We also have fun shopping – where can you have a burger, shake at a 100-year-old original soda fountain and buy a purse or earrings to take home? We also have a vacation rental loft upstairs – so you can stay in a historical landmark during your visit.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love Island time! Galveston has big city amenities (restaurants, museums, recreational parks…) with a small town feel. We have a wonderful local and visitor customer base. The addition of the cruise ship clientele has helped bring in more diversity and exposure.
I think every city has little nuances that it’s citizens do not like – but overall, there are no major blatant dislikes about Galveston, I appreciate the continued effort on all of Galveston to grow and move forward on all levels as a city from its citizens to the governing bodies and businesses it houses.
Contact Info:
- Address: 510 Tremont Galveston, Texas 77550
- Website: www.galvestonstardrug.com
- Phone: 409-766-7719
- Email: galvestonsds@sbcglobal.net
- Facebook: Facebook@StarDrugStore
- Twitter: Twitter@StarDrugStore
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
