Hooper’s restaurant in Kingsland takes its horror film roots seriously. It’s named after acclaimed director Tobe Hooper, who created ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ in 1974. The old home that Hooper’s occupies was the setting for the cult film. Staff photos by Dakota Morrissiey
The legacy of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” screams on at Hooper’s, the restaurant occupying the movie set-turned-business at 1010 King Court in Kingsland. The structure once served nightmares as the home of Leatherface and his murderous family in the 1974 cult classic, but it now dishes out good food and good times — with a tribute to director Tobe Hooper‘s creation.
Hooper’s opened for business in January 2023, fully embracing the home’s horror heritage. For the uninitiated, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” centers on a group of young people trying to have a good time but end up being terrorized by a psychotic, cannibalistic family in the backwoods of a middle-of-nowhere town. This heinous slice of cinematic history is widely considered the first mainstream slasher film of the 1970s and the beginning of a nine-film franchise.
The infamous house originally resided in Round Rock, where much of the movie’s massacre was filmed. It was torn to pieces and dragged to the Highland Lakes in 1998, becoming part of the Antlers Inn complex in the Kingsland’s railyard district. It then opened as Grand Central Cafe, which also embraced the structure’s gruesome past. The entire complex came under new ownership in the winter of 2022, and extensive renovations were made to the old home.
An enormous Leatherface poster locks eyes with patrons in the bar at Hooper’s.
The new owners have managed to pay respect to Hooper, Leatherface, and the gang without going overboard. A tasteful amount of memorabilia decorates the walls. Castings of iconic characters, vintage movie posters, an unsettling mask, and, of course, chain saws adorn the walls. The menu is uniquely elevated Texas cuisine. A combination of Southern cooking, Mexican, and all-American classics. There is also a full bar, where most of the memorabilia is on display.
Whether you’re a devoted “Massacre” maniac or just looking for a bite to eat, swing by Hooper’s and pull up seat.
Visit the Hooper’s website for hours, a menu, merchandise, and events.
dakota@thepicayune.com
