In the heart of Richmond, Texas, there’s a restaurant where the warmth of Southern hospitality and the flavor of New Orleans come together. This is Texas Borders Bar & Grill, a beloved institution in the community, owned and operated by Kellie Messer and her husband, Kevin Wann. For 29 years, this family-run restaurant has been serving up a mix of Cajun, American, and Mexican fare, all wrapped in a culture of kindness, authenticity, and dedication to the people they serve.

Kellie’s journey into the restaurant business was shaped by her family’s deep ties to the industry. Growing up in New Orleans, she learned from a young age that hospitality wasn’t just about good food—it was about making people feel like they belonged. Her grandmother, Mary Francis, owned and operated restaurants and bars, and Kellie was raised with that same strong work ethic and commitment to customer service.

Before opening her first restaurant in 1996, Kellie worked at well-known chains like Pappasitos and Houston’s, honing her skills in both customer service and restaurant management. But she had a vision for something more—a neighborhood spot where everyone felt welcome, a place that felt like “Cheers,” where people were more than just customers. She dreamed of a restaurant where “Hi” and “Bye” weren’t just words but part of the experience. And so, Texas Borders Bar & Grill was born.

Kellie and Kevin, who shares her passion for the restaurant business, have built the restaurant into a beloved local destination. Kevin brings his talents as a designer and builder to create unique, welcoming spaces, while Kellie runs the day-to-day operations. Together, they’ve created a business that’s not only about serving great food but also about making connections. Their mantra, “Hey y’all!” is known far and wide, a reflection of the warmth and charm that defines the Texas Borders experience.

“Our goal has always been to create a space where people can come together—families, friends, co-workers—and just enjoy a great meal in a welcoming environment,” Kellie says. “We wanted to offer food from across the borders of Texas, a little Cajun, a little American, a little Mexican—all at prices that families can afford.”

Texas Borders offers a full-service restaurant and bar, complete with a kid-friendly menu, happy hours, and catering options. It's a place where you’ll often see Kellie and Kevin working side-by-side with their team, ensuring everything runs smoothly and customers are treated like family. Their daughter, Haley Wann, is also part of the team, taking on roles as a manager, bartender, and social media specialist, helping the business grow and reach new audiences.

Over the years, Texas Borders has built deep roots in the community. From spirit nights supporting local schools to feeding first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kellie and Kevin’s commitment to giving back is evident. They’ve been a cornerstone of the Richmond, Katy, and Fulshear communities for nearly three decades, known for their generosity, kindness, and care for others.

However, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Like many businesses, Texas Borders has faced challenges along the way. The pandemic nearly brought the business to its knees, but with the support of the local community and a lot of faith, they managed to weather the storm. Kellie credits the resilience of the community and the power of prayer for helping them survive one of the most difficult times in their history.

In the early 2000s, a business partnership nearly drained Kellie’s finances and left her emotionally and mentally exhausted. A prolonged lawsuit had her questioning whether she could continue, but she emerged from the experience wiser and stronger. “I’ve learned so many lessons,” Kellie reflects, “but the most important one was that it’s not about doing it alone—it’s about having the right people by your side.”

Looking ahead, Kellie and Kevin are excited about the future. Texas Borders currently has two locations, one in Katy and one in Richmond, but they are actively working on opening a third location in Katy. For Kellie, the future is about continuing to serve great food with a side of Southern hospitality while staying true to the values that have made Texas Borders such a special place for nearly three decades.

As Kellie says, “The success of this business is not just about me—it’s about the amazing team I have. Without them, none of this would be possible.”

And so, Texas Borders continues to thrive, a place where good food, good company, and good service come together to create something truly special—a testament to Kellie’s vision, her hard work, and her love for her community.