Reply to Cooper's Landing

I was part of a group that stayed at Cooper's the weekend of May 21. The good: The area has been spiffed up a bit and doesn't have some of the undesirables lurking in the shadows. The bad: The area has been spiffed up a bit and doesn't have some of the undesirables lurking in the shadows. :)

The place is under new ownership and by all accounts the owner is a good guy and has certainly made some improvements. The problem appears to be with his manager, who just needs to chill. The manager is loud, argumentative and really the opposite of the Zen-like chill vibe that the owner (Richard King) says drew him to buy the place. Our group encountered a disagreement over reservations made / not made that the manager threatened to throw us out over. Fortunately our blood pressure was not as high as his, and we eventually settled into a peaceful evening along the river.

I am reminded of ArkyKenny's frequent comments of years ago regarding "old people on bikes with money who go to sleep early." That was our group, as well as others around us. As a business owner on the Katy I would think these would be your preferred clientele. Don't stay up late, don't get into fights, leave without a trace and may even tip generously. Instead the manager was combative and loud and difficult. As one in our group said, he probably needs a hug.

Cooper's is a beautiful place and hopefully the owner will find his sweet spot there. We would certainly come back for a beer or two and a sit by one of the choicest spots along the trail. We miiiiggght even try camping there again, but it probably wouldn't be our first choice. Judging by the cars parked up and down the road there the business is probably doing OK. Location location location. I do have a feeling Cooper's will endure and maybe the stories of Mad Manic Manager will just become one more part of the ongoing Katy Trail lore...

Just out of curiosity - is the manager Mike?

We'll be staying there this Saturday night, I made a reservation a month ago and there have already been some issues with it. Needless to say, based on comments being made on this forum, I'm a little apprehensive about it but am hoping for an enjoyable stay, good food and good music.

Wonder if the owner is aware of the management issues?

I will definitely report after our stay because I'm hoping to have good news to report and we are often quick to report the bad and not so quick to report the good. I will report either way.

Just out of curiosity - is the manager Mike?

We'll be staying there this Saturday night, I made a reservation a month ago and there have already been some issues with it. Needless to say, based on comments being made on this forum, I'm a little apprehensive about it but am hoping for an enjoyable stay, good food and good music.

Wonder if the owner is aware of the management issues?

I will definitely report after our stay because I'm hoping to have good news to report and we are often quick to report the bad and not so quick to report the good. I will report either way.

Yes the manager is Mike. We finally got to a happy place with him but not without some strain. The young kid who was working with him (who I think is the owner's son) was a nice young chap. It all worked out though shouldn't have been so difficult. Good luck.

As a former undesirable who used to lurk in the shadows I doubt it goes back to what it was before. Im sure the group that bought it has a definite plan for what they want it to be. They’re in it to get a return on their investment and that has to come from a little more refined clientele. I don’t begrudge them that. I didn’t buy the place - they did.

Jim and Biker Chick; Both of you said a great deal in your last two sentences. A pleasure to read your comments.

I have been following this forum in preparation for a ride this fall. I value everyone sharing their experience knowing each is unique. With the 5 star rating system used on products and services, it's the comments why something received it's rating which helps with my decision. Please don't let the thought of snarky or sarcastic replies stop you from sharing.

This will be my last comment on Cooper’s Landing. If you’re used to the old Cooper’s Landing with the Thai Kitchen and the mix of locals, Columbia yuppies and assorted Katy Trail riders this is not the same place. For many the new cleaned-up version will be an improvement. For some of us, who have ridden the Katy for years, it will be will be the end of a one of the iconic fixtures on the trail. It’s not the end of the world.