Slaton, Texas' newest restaurant, cigar lounge combines siblings' passions

[JohnS]

Slaton's newest restaurant, cigar lounge combines siblings' passions

Alana Edgin - Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

The only city square in Lubbock County is in Slaton, and two siblings are on a mission to help the trademark slice of small-town life become a destination. They have done this by pairing their passions for cooking, community and cigars into a business that draws in people from miles around.

Jessica Kelly, a high school culinary arts teacher, had always wanted to open a restaurant. In June, her brother, Adam Behnke asked Kelly if she wanted to team up to buy a building and open something unique.

After three months of renovations, the siblings opened The Combine - Commons on the Square, 136 W. Garza St., on Nov. 12. The Combine offers flatbreads, charcuterie boards, mocktails, wine, beer and cigars. Kelly runs the kitchen and food menu, while Behnke handles the cigar and wine side of the business.

Siblings Jessica Kelly and Adam Behnke, owners of The Combine Commons on the Square, as seen on Dec. 18, 2024 in Slaton, Texas. Mateo Rosiles/ Avalanche-Journal

"Food is my love language," Kelly said. "The menu is very small, and it'll stay that way, but it is interesting. We're working within our limits, trying to be creative, do something different, but then also have things that are accessible. We call it casual gourmet."

On the food side of The Combine, the pepperoni flatbread is a customer favorite.

For the cigar and wine side, these menus are curated by experts. Wine flights and the Arturo Fuente Hemingway cigars are popular.

"I have been overwhelmed with how many we've sold - I actually had to reorder," Behnke said. "What surprised me more than anything is how many people are willing to go out and try it."

Behnke will add infused cigars to The Combine in the future, due to customers' requests.

"We've got a really great wine list and cigar list," Kelly said. "People are really blown away that, in Slaton, you can find some of the things we have here. And I'm like, why not? We deserve this."

A Caprese flatbread and charcuterie board from The Combine as seen on Dec. 18, 2024 in Slaton, Texas. Mateo Rosiles/ Avalanche-Journal

Another important element of The Combine is its selection of non-alcoholic drinks. The mocktails, on busy nights, are just as popular as the alcohol options. The Combine also encourages a safe drive home for customers with their Designated Driver discount, where the first drink is free, then $1 drinks for the rest of the night.

"We want people to come and really have a lot of fun, and also have a safe drive back to wherever they are coming from," Kelly said.

Combining elements in Slaton

The name, Combine, was picked in honor of Slaton's agricultural history.

"We started talking about farming implements, and specifically the combine, because it gathers crops," Kelly said. "It's a gatherer, and so it became The Combine as a gathering space. That's why our tagline is 'gather here.'"

Combine also connects to their family's history of hosting gatherings, and inspired the décor. People can find local artwork, games, cozy chairs, repurposed Subway tables, and stunning chandeliers inside the century-old building. Customers place their orders at the counter and are welcome to choose their own seat and visit with other guests.

"It's a little bit wild and eclectic, but hospitable and comfortable and welcomes people of all kinds," Kelly said. "This place is a combine, welcoming to everyone, and what's been so fun about it is, it's nothing you see at other restaurants. People get up and visit constantly. There's a lot of movement between tables, but it is never overwhelming. There's just a really good feeling in here."

Though The Combine is new, the siblings already have their sights set on the future. Eventually, Kelly wants to bring her students into the kitchen to gain restaurant experience. Behnke plans to offer a cigar club and poker space. In the summer, Kelly hopes to put The Combine on the path to becoming a from-scratch kitchen using locally sourced ingredients.

People can keep up with the restaurant at thecombineslaton.com, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Source: https://eu.lubbockonline.com/story/business/2024/12/18/combine-family-restaurant-cigar-lounge-opens-in-slaton-square/76946043007/