NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas — Pat Molak, co-founder and owner of iconic Texas venue Gruene Hall, has died at age 76.
The dance hall announced Molak's passing in a Facebook post Tuesday morning, writing:
"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our owner, Pat Molak. We will always be thankful he trusted his vision, left his stockbroker days behind and traded his suit for a t-shirt. His love of live music, ice cold beer and good times with friends made this old dance hall what it is today. A true pioneer, he helped drive Singer-Songwriter and Americana music to the forefront of Texas music. His passion for this piece of Texas history lives on each time someone steps through our door and will continue for decades to come."
Molak passed way on Good Friday, March 29.
The history of Gruene Hall
For more than 125 years, the 6,000-square-foot dance hall has welcomed country music performers to the stage. Gruene Hall, located in New Braunfels, Texas, has proved itself a staple for music lovers of all ages.
The venue is the oldest dance hall in Texas, first built in the late 1800s by a man named Henry Gruene. Almost 100 years after it originally opened, Texas native Pat Molak purchased the hall in 1975, along with Mary Jane Nalley. Molak restored the building but kept it authentic.
The venue soon transformed into a hub for country performers, including icons like Texas natives George Strait and Willie Nelson.
PHOTOS: Remembering Gruene Hall owner Pat Molak
Back in 2020, Gruene Hall temporarily shut down twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the business has been back up and running since 2022.
This year, the Texas Travel Awards named New Braunfels its "Destination of the Year," and Gruene Hall was given the award for "Iconic Tourist Attraction."
With live music, dancing and an outdoor garden, Gruene Hall continues to thrive more than 100 years since it first opened, serving the country music scene in between Austin and San Antonio.