Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelly Combs.
Hi Shelly, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Opening The Bluebonnet Café and Coffee Bar wasn’t something that happened overnight, it was the result of years of hard work, community love, and a dream that just wouldn’t leave me alone.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved bringing people together around a good meal. Food has always been more than just food for me it’s connection, comfort, and conversation. I wanted to create a place that felt like home, where neighbors could linger over breakfast, friends could meet for lunch, and families could make memories over scratch-made meals and good coffee.
The vision grew stronger as I looked around our little town of Valley View. I saw the need for a place that wasn’t just a restaurant, but a gathering spot. A place with fresh, homemade food, a coffee bar for early risers and late workers alike, and even a full bar for winding down. I wanted to build something that reflected both my roots and the heart of this community.
Opening the doors in 2022 was both the scariest and most rewarding leap I’ve ever taken. From those first hectic mornings to now celebrating milestones together, The Bluebonnet has been shaped by more than just me, it’s been built by the people who walk through the door every day. Our customers, our staff, and our community are the heartbeat of this café.
So how did I come to opening the café? Simple, I followed a calling. A calling to serve, to create, and to connect. The Bluebonnet is more than a business to me. It’s a piece of my heart, and I’m proud it has become part of the fabric of Valley View.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Owning The Bluebonnet Café and Coffee Bar has been one of the greatest joys of my life, but it hasn’t been without its struggles. Just like many small businesses, we’ve weathered storms, both literal and figurative.
When the tornado hit Valley View, our town was shaken to its core. Families were displaced, homes were lost, and businesses, including ours, faced setbacks that could have easily broken us. But instead of letting it knock us down, we leaned on what makes our small town so special: community. Neighbors showed up for neighbors. Customers became family. Together, we found resilience in the middle of heartbreak.
Then came the challenges of running a restaurant in a time when costs seemed to climb by the week. Something as simple as eggs, an ingredient at the very heart of breakfast, suddenly cost more than we could have ever imagined. Each price hike forced us to get creative, to balance staying affordable for our customers while still keeping the doors open and the lights on.
But here’s the truth: every obstacle has only made us stronger. The tornado taught us the power of community. Rising costs taught us the importance of adaptability. And through it all, The Bluebonnet Café has remained a place where people can gather, laugh, and find comfort over a good meal.
Because at the end of the day, this café isn’t just about food, it’s about perseverance, heart, and the people who make it worth every struggle.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At The Bluebonnet Café and Coffee Bar, we’re not just another stop to grab a quick bite, we’re a place that feels like home. From the beginning, our vision has been to serve food with heart, create a space full of warmth, and celebrate the small-town spirit that makes Valley View so special.
What sets us apart is our commitment to scratch-made food, prepared with care every single day. We take pride in doing things the right way, even when it takes a little longer or costs a little more. Whether it’s a hearty breakfast, a fresh lunch, or a hand-crafted drink from our coffee bar or full bar, our goal is to make every plate and every cup feel intentional.
But it’s not just about what’s on the menu, it’s about who we are as a community café. We’re proud to be a gathering spot where neighbors meet, families connect, and visitors feel welcomed like locals. We’ve hosted celebrations, supported causes, and stood alongside our community through both everyday life and life’s biggest challenges.
We’re also proud of our team. The people behind the counter and in the kitchen aren’t just staff. They pour their energy and personality into making every guest experience something memorable.
At the end of the day, what we’re most proud of is this: we’ve built a café that reflects the heart of Valley View. A place rooted in quality, community, and resilience, and one that continues to grow with the love and support of the people who walk through our doors.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Behind every small business, there are people who quietly play a big role in helping dreams take shape. For me, one of those people has been Chris Carroll, owner of Spring Creek Companies.
From the very beginning of my café journey, Chris has been more than just a sounding board, he’s been a true mentor. He’s shared his wisdom from years of experience, asked the tough questions that made me think bigger, and offered guidance in moments when the path forward felt unclear. His encouragement reminded me that even in the face of challenges, whether it was navigating business decisions, rebuilding after the tornado, or weathering the ups and downs of the restaurant industry, I wasn’t walking this road alone.
What I admire most is that Chris leads with both business sense and heart. He believes in community, in doing things the right way, and in lifting others up along the way. Having someone like that in my corner has not only helped me grow as a business owner but also reinforced why I wanted to create The Bluebonnet Café and Coffee Bar in the first place: to serve with purpose, to lead with heart, and to make a lasting impact right here in Valley View.
I’ll always be grateful for his mentorship, because while the café may be my dream, Chris has helped me turn it into a reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.bluebonnetcafevv.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluebonnetcafevv?mibextid=LQQJ4d
