SAN ANGELO, Texas — As far back as I can remember, Zentner’s Daughter (or ZD’s, as many locals call it) has been a place for family and friends to gather for a meal.
Earlier this month, we all got the news that after four decades of catering to West Texas, Betty and Bernay are retiring. Not only are the two retiring, the Zentner’s name will retire with them as far as the business is concerned.
This news brought back so many fond memories from my entire life as a Zentner’s customer.
In the 70s and 80s, I recall going to eat with my dad after his shifts at GTE Data Services. I also have a vague memory of “Johann’s,” a private club that served alcohol, established when Tom Green County was “dry.” That part of the restaurant remains today, it’s the bar area off to your left when you walk in the front doors.
My stepfather took us there as children, so he could enjoy a jagerschnitzel and we could chow down on their famous chicken-fried steaks, onion rings and homemade croutons on our salads.
Junior high and high school banquets were held there. Sports teams from across the state stopped in to eat there after playing at San Angelo Stadium.
Moving into my adulthood, I attended wedding receptions, events and meetings at 1901 Knickerbocker Road. I attended banquets for my children there as well as shared many a burger meal with my siblings.
I was “locked up” for the MDA, along with Boomer Kingston and Tracy Scott there during my radio days. In 2018, I attended a guest appearance by Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher with my friend, Chris Lee, who drove in from Midland to be there.
More recently, it was a hangout for me and one of my best friends, Rowdy, for a KC steak and conversation; a spot to grab a burger or a chicken-fried steak with my sons; and a place to show off to my news family as they transitioned into life in San Angelo.
Today, I had my very last chicken-fried steak at Zentner’s Daughter. Tim O’Brien and I had lunch one last time at the iconic spot. He had a burger. We saw many familiar faces, each there for the same reason – one last meal.
Owner Bernay Sheffield told us, “I’m 82 and my wife is 71, it’s time to retire.”
Sheffield shared many stories with us, and we listened intently, capturing a moment in time that we will carry with us long after the ZD doors close for the final time tonight.