MARCH 2014 SUNRAYS | 59
ONLINE:
SCTXCA.ORG
You’ll be seeing some new friendly faces
with the opening of Putters Café in Sun
City Texas. Meet owner Cecilia “Cecy”
Padilla and General Manager Darren
Hendricks, the operators of Sun City’s
new restaurant at White Wing Golf
Course.
After working together for more than
10 years at Duke’s Smokehouse (though
in opposite roles) Darren and Cecy are
excited to bring their knowledge and ex-
pertise to Sun City Texas. “When this
popped up it was an easy decision for
us,” Darren said. They have been hard
at work since the end of September, ac-
quiring licenses, working on recipes, and
collaborating with the CA on renovations.
“Our experience has been full of pleasant
surprises,” Darren said. “Every single
thing that has happened has been be-
yond our expectations, beyond what we
could have dreamed.”
The team began moving into the newly
renovated restaurant in early February,
after working with two focus groups of
Sun City Texas residents to receive feed-
back and input about what they want in
this new restaurant. “Sun Citians want
a gem, something that they’re very, very
proud of…when you think about Sun City
Texas, you think of something plush and
clean, so you need a facility that reflects
that,” Darren said.
Darren and Cecy plan to address the di-
versity of residents’ wants, from healthy
and great-tasting food to excellent cus-
tomer service—of which they are con-
fident they can deliver. At press time,
the menu was still being finalized, but
residents can expect to see premium beef
products, gluten-free items, a full bar,
even breakfast tacos for on-the-go golfers.
They have scheduled their official open-
ing for early to mid-March, with hours
from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and breakfast end-
ing at 11 a.m; however, they plan to start
out slowly and expand their offerings
gradually. “When we open our doors,
we are far from finished,” Darren said.
“It’s like a baby in its infancy—it’ll be a
progression.”
Eventually Cecy and Darren hope to
have themed nights, entertainment,
and more; but, for now, they’re just ex-
cited to meet the residents and have an
enthusiastic opening. When you have a
chance, drop by and give Cecy and Dar-
ren a warm Sun City welcome!
Welcome,
Putters!
By Maggi Jones
Cecilia “Cecy” Padilla and Darren Hendricks are the new operators of Putters Café.
PHOTO BY MAGGI JONES
