The Cadillac Pizza Pub Serves Up a Smooth Ride
by
Autumn Rhea Carpenter
 On a recent Thursday
night, I discovered a little piece of Austin at the Cadillac Pizza Pub,
(affectionately nicknamed The Caddy) located in the heart of historical
downtown McKinney. While conversing with the pub's owners, Bobby and Johnnie
Collins, I learned that Collin County residents who miss watching live music
can get their fix at this Southern flavored establishment, which exudes all
things music, family and community.
 At first glance, its
red-checkered tablecloths, exposed red brick and poster-clad walls offer its
clientele a cozy place to enjoy homemade brick oven pizza and toast a
cocktail or two. With walls equipped with a Shiner, Texas, population 2,070
sign, the traditional blue Marlin and numerous photographs of musicians who
have graced their stage, this self-proclaimed family hangout offers a truly
welcoming vibe. Well-placed chandeliers offer mood lighting and the staff
buzzes around the tables, delivering fresh food and refilling drinks with a
positive demeanor. The building once served as a printing company, (paper
rollers still hang amongst the rafters) and is situated across the street
from the historic Collin County prison, which housed Frank James, Ray
Hamilton and Charles "Tex" Watson. (The institution closed in 1979 after 99
years of service.)
 While inhaling the famed
Escalade pizza, a New York-style (thin-crusted) goodness piled with
honey-smoked Canadian bacon, Italian sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, red
onions, black olives, pepperoni, Roma tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, and
learning about the local music scene, a 14-year-old teen saxophone player
joined the ongoing jam session and quickly grabbed the audience's attention
and never let it go. The shaggy haired teen named Ben (A pole vaulter by day
who is coached by Buzz Andrews, the pub's musical staple) stole the
limelight with his smooth stylings versed well beyond his years. Ben's
parents and sister sat in front of our table, beaming with pride at the
night's surprise talent. The sax wailed, guitar shredded, stand-up bass
plucked and harmonica trilled while the diverse crowd, ranging from babies
to bikers, appeared completely enthralled with the entertainment experience.
"Everyone here shares a true
love for live music," said Bobby. "We have a lot of old rockers who
consistently offer amazing talent, as well as newbies who bring an energy to
this place. The magic of Thursday open-mic jam night is that you never know
who will show up. We don’t want to pigeonhole The Caddy by labeling it a
blues bar. It's an eclectic collection of jazz, rockabilly, Zydeco, Southern
rock and more. Additionally, we’re a family establishment; this is a place
where you can bring your kids and they can experience live music for
themselves."
The couple explains how
since purchasing the pub a year ago, they have transformed the Cadillac
Pizza Pub's image from a sports/blues bar to a neighborhood place that
appreciates good music and community. "Collin County continues to grow, and
people want to enjoy live music without driving into Dallas," said Bobby.
"We've worked with the City of McKinney and McKinney Main Street to develop
a restaurant association that has helped boost our role here. A strong
outpouring of community support for various charity fundraisers has also
cemented our place amongst the other businesses here on the square."
 Bobby's infatuation with
music and owning a bar and grill began over 30 years ago. He managed he
premier club Élan in Dallas in 1970s, where Andy Warhol and the cast of
Dallas were regularly seen. "I was first introduced to the inner working of
the restaurant business as a kid," said Bobby. "I always loved the people
contact and the music, but was not as crazy about the hours." The couple
started a family, and four children and five granddaughters later decided
that it was time to realize their dream of pub ownership. "This is Bobby's
baby," said Johnnie. "I love being a part of this journey, but he deserves
all of the accolades."
 The Caddy's staff considers
themselves a family, with a low turnover rate and an obvious interest in
each other’s well being. "I couldn't ask for a more supportive place to
work," said general manager Jacque Paine who has spent 21 years working in
restaurants, nine of those in a management role. "It's definitely a
restaurant first that offers a full bar. The music is just icing on the
cake, ranging from a 12-year old boy playing drums to a mind-blowing soul
guitarist. You never know what to expect and that adds to the total
experience. The musicians, patrons and employees are all connected, and
truly care about each other. That’s what gives this place its spirit.”
 The Caddy’s chalkboard near
the front door quickly filled with names of eager "jammers." Andrews
playfully brought different players on stage, rocked his guitar to life and
included the audience in every song. "Bands enjoy playing here because our
patrons come for the music," said Jonnie. "They give the musicians their
full attention with absolutely no pretension. A large flat screen TV
projects the shows, and allows participants to watch themselves perform.
That technology really adds to the concert feeling.”
 The Caddy offers various
music-themed nights, including Tuesday night karaoke, Wednesday band review,
Thursday open mic jam session, Friday and Saturday night live music and
Sunday all day happy hour. "Thanks to our Wednesday night booking manager
Mark Sena and new band booking manager Quinten Hope, we're booked through
September," said Bobby. "Collin County can now experience the works of bands
like The Maylee Thomas Band and PushRod by visiting our pub. We're thrilled
to bring this caliber of musicians to Collin County."
 The pub also hosts a variety
of events, including magic shows by “Magic Man” Rob Weems, kids’ birthday
parties and supports various local festivals including the annual Krewe of
Barkus and fundraising for the 23rd Christian Bikers Association.
 In restaurant terms, the
Cadillac Pizza Pub offers a broad range of dining choices, including salads,
nachos and pizza rolls. The pizzas and nachos are served on a decorative
iron stand that offers a unique culinary presentation. "Since our tables are
smallish, the stands allow our customers elbow room, while showcasing the
dish in a different way," said Bobby.
The Caddy is known for its homemade pizzas, but they offer many other
choices, including sandwiches, hot wings, pasta and quesadillas. The pizza
dough and sauce is handmade daily, with several available choices such as
the custom Caddy, low-rider, Seville, Allante, Coupe DeVille, stretch, pink
Caddy, El Dorado, Brougham, Catera, Fleetwood and the Cadillac Texas special
(CTS). Flavors range from Hawaiian to Mexican to vegetarian and can be
custom designed. “We're not interested in the fast-food experience, and want
our customers to take the time to settle into our spirited environment to
enjoy our cuisine,” said Bobby.
 Depending on the day of the
week, an outing to the Cadillac Pizza Pub could promise a musical
entertainment presented by a group of 16-year-old karaoke novices or
seasoned studio musicians. Regardless, if you bring your appetite and music
appreciation, you won't be disappointed. You might not be sitting in the
'live music capital of the world,' but it definitely comes close.
Cadillac Pizza Pub
http://www.myspace.com/cadillacpizzapub
112 S. Kentucky Street
McKinney,
TX, 75069
972.547.3833 (DUDE)
Tuesday - Thursday: 5pm – 12am
Fridays
- 11am – 12am
Saturdays - 11am – 1am
Sundays - 12pm – 7pm
Photo credits: Don Simmons, The Gulch Gallery
http://www.thegulchgallery.net
214.213.7464
dwsimmonsjr@tx.rr.com
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