Photo in Hibachi Hut

The photo in the back of the Hibach Hut has been a favorite of patrons for many years.

The photo is a picture of Avery Island, "The home of world-famous TABASCO® Sauce. Avery Island, Louisiana, lies about 140 miles west of New Orleans. Surrounded by swamps and marshes, Avery Island is a . . . natural paradise, inhabited by exotic plant and animal species from around the world."

The photo was taken by Rod McKinski, Manhattan Mercury.

Trick or Treat in Aggieville--2008

As one of the spirited events of KSU Homecoming 2008, Aggieville sponsored Trick or Treat in Aggieville as well as the Homecoming Parade.

Below are some scenes from these events: Marc, one of the Hibachi Hut/Texas Star Cafe' Owners, visited with one of the many political hopefuls present at the festivities; Bill visits with parade viewers as he hands out treats; Freddie and Jessica help with the Hibachi Hut/Texas Star Cafe' trick or treaters.

Ben E Keith Wildcat Truck

Ben E Keith, one of our food suppliers, recently put a new delivery truck into service. It shows their dedication to Wildcat Country. Go Wildcats!!!!

The 2008 Be The Change Award

On September 10, 2008, Bill accepted The 2008 Be The Change Award on behalf of the Texas Star Cafe' and Hibachi Hut Restaurants.

The Award reads:
Campaign for Nonviolence—Kansas State University

The 2008 Be The Change Award

Bill, Sandy, and Kale Becker
owners of The Texas Star & Hibachi Hut Restaurants

Organization of the Year

In recognition of your many years volunteering in support of K-State’s Campaign for Nonviolence Empty Bowls project and

Your generosity in filling the bowls with your excellent soups

With Appreciation and Gratitude for Fostering a Safe, Equitable, and Just Environment for All Members of Our Community

KSU Baseball Team Recruits Players

The Kansas State University Baseball Team welcome recruits to Manhattan by hosting a delicious meal at the Texas Star Cafe' in Aggieville. One of the activities they enjoy while dining is a visit by the KSU Pep Band, Cheerleaders, and Classy Cats. Welcome to Wildcat Land!!!

KSU Band Trumpets The Upcoming Game Weekend

It's a Football Game Weekend in Manhattan, KS. All Wildcat Fans are excited and celebrate in Aggieville. To add to the enthusiasm, the KSU Band visits the Hibachi Hut and Texas Star Cafe' and conducts a mini concert. The Classy Cats and Cheerleaders add to the festive atmosphere. What a great time to be a wildcat!!!!!

History of Ownership of Hibachi Hut and Texas Star Cafe'

Hibachi Hut was opened in 1959. The building has changed some over the years but the biggest change was the opening of the Texas Star Cafe' on the south side of the Hut location.

Texas Star Cafe' was opened in the early 1980's.

The first owners of the Hut were Margaret Harensharr and John Anderson.

The next owner was Charlie Bush. After three years, John Heritage became the new owner. He owned the restaurants until July 1, 2004, when the Beckers purchased the restaurants.

The current owners are Bill Becker, Sandra Becker, Kale Becker, and Marc Claas.

Both Aggieville restaurants have a great history. We want to continue serving you great food for many years to come!!!!

Cinco de Mayo Celebration 2008

What a great celebration the Texas Star Cafe hosted for our Cinco de Mayo celebration. Some of the menu items served were: Margarita Lime Shrimp; Queso Fundido; Chimichurri Steak Salad; Hearts of Palm Salad; Steak Tacos; Spicy Ranchero Chicken Breast; Carnitas Pibil Burrito; Sopapillas; and Fried Ice Cream. Mark your calendar and plan to use us for our 2009 event!!

2008 Bachelor Auction Benefiting Sunflower CASA

What a great community we live in!! So many individuals help so many causes!!

On behalf of all involved in the 2008 Bachelor Auction benefiting the Sunflower CASA Project, we would like to thank everyone who contributed to a very successful event.

“CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) consists of volunteers from many different backgrounds who give their time to advocate for abused and neglected children in the court system. The program is based on the principle that each child deserves a safe, permanent, nurturing home where he can thrive.”

Thanks to all who participated, attended and/or donated to the event. Special thanks to these individuals and organizations who sponsored the auction: Pfeifley's Jewelers, Shear Dynamics Salon & Day Spa, Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios, Mountain Mudd Espresso, Avalon Hair & Nail Salon, Celebrations of the Heart, Hibachi Hut/Texas Star Café, Stella Artois, Della Voce, Dick Edwards Ford, Manhattan Town Center, Dillards, and the Kathouse Lounge—with donations from others.

Your support was greatly appreciated. Thanks for helping raise over $5,300 for Sunflower CASA.

Empty Bowls Project

The Kansas State Women's Center and KSU Campaign for Nonviolence organized the Empty Bowls Project in cooperation with KSU Art Department, KSU Potter's Guild, The Manhattan Arts Center, Manhattan High School Ceramic Students, GSOVA-Graduate Students of Visual Arts, Bluestem Bistro, Edesia, and Hibachi Hut/Texas Star Cafe.

Students and individuals handcrafted bowls. For a $10 donation, individuals selected or made a bowl. On April 17, 2008, the participants brought their bowls to the Texas Star Cafe and were served soup donated by the Texas Star Cafe and Hibachi Hut.

100% of the proceeds were donated to benefit local hunger fighting organizations.

This annual event is a project that we are proud to be associated with.

Texas Star Cafe's celebration of Cinco de Mayo 2006

Texas Star Cafe celebrates Cinco de Mayo ("5th of May"), a regional holiday in Mexico.

It is a day to highlight Mexican heritage, culture, experiences, and pride.

Cinco de Mayo celebrates the victory of the historical battle of 1862 between Mexico and France.

At the Texas Star Cafe, special food items are created to celebrate the event.

Come join us for the next Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Texas Star Cafe Mural--"Serenading the Peppers"

The mural in the Texas Star Cafe is a wonderful piece of art. Diners enjoy studying the mural as they enjoy their meals at the restaurant.

Graphic Artist Phyllis Pease created the mural that can be seen in the Texas Star Cafe. The mural, "Serenading the Peppers", is an acrylic on hard board.

When studying the mural, you will see the artist's uncle, mom and friend in the design.

Other works by Phyllis Pease can be seen in Manhattan at the Westloop branch of the Kansas State Bank, Lemmy’s, and So Long Saloon. She also designed the apple for the Little Apple New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Celebration.

Stop in to see this wonderful mural.

Optimist Club Aggieville Chili Crawl

The Hibachi Hut and Texas Star Cafe enjoy participating in the annual Optimist Club Aggieville Chili Crawl. Each restaurant serves a chili during the crawl; the Texas Star Cafe serves up its White Chili while the Hibachi Hut serves its XXX Chili.

Participants in the crawl vote on their favorite chili; although the number of participanting businesses varies, from 10 to 20 are involved.

The Hibachi Hut and Texas Star Cafe are vote in the top each year and have been the winner several times.

It is a fun time. Please visit us during this fun event.

Fat Tuesday

The Hibachi Hut has hosted a Fat Tuesday Celebration for many, many years. In a festively decorated Mardi Gras atmosphere, the bountiful buffet has: Frog Legs, Alligator Piquant, Oysters on the Half Shell, Shrimp, Gumbo, Shrimp Boil, and many other Cajun favorites. Join us next year for an exciting evening you will remember for years to come!!!!