San Angelo's Old Central Firehouse Bed & Brew Plans Big New Venture

SAN ANGELO, TX – Old Central Firehouse Bed and Brew has become a shining example of hometown hospitality. With beautifully designed rooms and a friendly environment, the bed and brew offers patrons the chance to get away and enjoy everything Downtown San Angelo has to offer. 

The former Central Firehouse was built in 1929 and remained in service for nearly 50 years. The firehouse is now owned by Jody and Michele Babiash. The Babiash family has been a part of the community for the last 10 years and they are excited to bring a new concept in hospitality to San Angelo. They begin with an idea to fulfill what was missing in San Angelo, a local bed and brew that could connect visitors with local businesses and activities. They also plan to open a pizzeria and taproom next spring.

Michele Babiash talked to LIVE about the journey they underwent before officially opening in May of last year. Even though the building required extensive work and remodeling, they were very thankful for the support they received from the city, from the community, and their friends and family. After months of research and looking at a variety of options and ideas they believed they had found the answer of what was missing in San Angelo: a bed & brew with proximity to downtown.

The old firehouse was transformed into a 4-bedroom B&B that features firehouse décor and hosts a cozy environment. Many of the decorations and pictures on display have been part of community donations by individuals who are happy to see the firehouse open once again to the public. Chief Kilgore of the old Central Firehouse and the family of Chief Biggs, who has passed, have had the opportunity to visit the Old Central Firehouse Bed & Brew. They can walk the halls where they once worked hard to keep San Angelo safe. 

Each room offers a different vibe and amenities that are designed with the comfort and enjoyment of the guests in mind. For example, one room offers a small kitchenette, another a jet-stream tub, and two others have beautiful showers and décor. The B&B offers a lounge area with beer and wine for guests and easy access to multiple restaurants in downtown. OCF is only available to adult patrons at this moment, but it provides local and visiting couples and patrons the opportunity to get away from the stress of everyday life.

The remodeling was carried out personally by Mr. & Mrs. Babiash and reflects the passion and effort they have put into creating a place where guests feel at home. The Babiash’s live on the premises and pride themselves in creating a welcoming experience. 

“We put our heart and soul into this project,” said Babiash, “It is so great to see people come and hang out and see they feel at home.”

Watch: Old Central Firehouse Bed & Brew

The pizzeria and taproom are a new venture that is also designed to bring new experiences to the citizens of San Angelo and out-of-town visitors. The pizzeria will feature a new state-of-the-art oven that can thoroughly bake a pizza in 90 seconds. The Babiash’s attended the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas earlier this year in the search for the best oven they could bring to San Angelo. 

To provide their customers with delicious and quality pizza, Michele and Jody will be attending pizza school in New York later this month where they will be spending six days learning about everything that has to do with pizza.

The tap wall will be self-serve, allowing patrons the opportunity to sample as many of the 24 beers as they wish. The tap wall will also offer patrons the chance to learn more about the beer selection with interactive iPads that will provide a detailed description of the brews. A patio area will also be made available for patrons overlooking Firefighter's Memorial City Park.

Self-serve tap was recently made legal in Texas, so San Angelo will be one of the first few to offer the concept in the state. The Babiash’s have traveled to several different states to view pizza ovens and self-serve tap walls in action as they searched for the best concept to bring to San Angelo. In addition to the new businesses, a new mural will soon be painted on the side of the building adding to the local art that is featured throughout downtown.

Michele and Jody were awarded $10,000 from the city after placing 3rd at the San Angelo Business Plan Competition. To compete they had to develop a complete business plan and presentation for their planned expansion. They were honored to have been selected as one of the three winning entries and are excited about the difference the $10,000 prize can have in the expansion of their business. 

Patrons interested in booking a stay at the Old Central Firehouse Bed & Brew are invited to visit their website www.ocfbedandbrew.com to view all the amenities each room has to offer. They can also book by calling 325-703-2029. Check out OCF on Facebook and follow the OCF Pizzeria and Taproom page for updates.

Old Central Firehouse Bed & Brew is located on 200 S. Magdalen, right down the street from the San Angelo Police Headquarters.