Sean Charles - Features

Nuzzled on the corner of 8th Street and East Kleberg Avenue lies a treasure trove of elevated style. Adorned by classic black-and-white striped awnings reminiscent of Henri Bendel New York, with a touch of wealth only matched by another Texas icon, Neiman Marcus, Kate Apothecary brings a stylized and meticulously curated lifestyle to Kingsville. The high-end style is one that even Coco Chanel, a frequent client of Neiman Marcus, would approve of.

Owners David Thibodeaux and Steven Flores, after experiencing big-city life, relocated to their roots in Kingsville, by way of Austin making sure to bring that cosmopolitan flair with them. 

“The concept of the store was that we wanted to bring a big-city vibe store to a rural area. So, we wanted products that were going to be unique and special,” David said.

Opening in 2023, Kate Apothecary was just what Kingsville needed. 

“Initially, the space was rented to an interior designer who was going to have a farmhouse, mercantile-type store. And when she backed out, we decided that we wanted to go ahead and start trying to come up with an idea for the space,” David said.

A taste of big-city life, each item, product, and art piece are meticulously vetted by David, each representing a city from the Lone Star State.

“As historic and beloved as Kingsville may be, the rural nature of our town is not lost on its residents. A quick getaway to a neighboring city takes planning and coordination. Now, one must only think of Kate for a quick escape to the big city,” David said.

From candles and skincare to furniture with intricate designs, the curated collections at Kate Apothecary are a perfect blend of past and present, showcasing modern offerings within vitrines of the past.

Aside from urban life, one key detail about Kate Apothecary is its namesake, which pays homage to female empowerment. 

“Women-owned businesses were what we were leaning toward from the start. And that’s what we talked about in the beginning, working with all women, and trying to pick out which spaces were best for them,” David said.

Most of the items found in the luxury boutique are from female-owned businesses around Texas, a feature the owners consider essential to the store. 

“That’s what we were leaning toward, supporting women-owned businesses. But with the concept of the name, it initially came up because we were at the crossroads of Kleberg and 8th, and we used the idea of a cross as a plus sign, and we had the ‘K’ and the ‘8.’ So, people might think there’s a person named Kate, but there isn’t. It’s just how we pronounced it,” David said.

With a female on the brink of becoming president and a shift toward female empowerment throughout corporate America, the moment is also being reflected in small towns like Kingsville.

“I think it’s about giving a voice to them, a voice to a smaller minority in any way. We just want to support women,” Steven said. “When we were planning this building and what we wanted to do with it, it was all women that were approaching us. And as we learned more into that angle of supporting women, it made sense to give the building a female name,” Steven said.

David and Steven, no strangers to Kingsville’s history, are also the owners of the iconic Salazar Building. The historic structure, with many ties to the town’s past, was purchased in 2013 by them. 

“We purchased it in 2013, and it took us about two years to restore it. We opened it in March of 2015,” Steven said.

The building was originally bought to be their home, but the community’s reaction showed them it belonged to everyone. 

“We started doing demo work, trying to clean it up, and the contractor stopped and told us, ‘Look, I’m not getting any work done because people are constantly stopping and asking me what I’m doing,’” David recalled. “People kept asking what was going to happen with the building, and that’s when we realized its historical significance. People either worked there, shopped there, or have a connection through their parents or grandparents. That’s when we knew we needed to do something for the community,” David said.

Now known simply as The Salazar, the building has become Kingsville’s most sought-after event venue, providing the town with a chic, Spanish-style space to create new memories seamlessly adding to the town’s rich history. With the purchase of the building now home to Kate Apothecary, David and Steven have opened spaces to female business owners, who now fill the neighboring retail vacancies. 

Motivated by enthusiasm from local shoppers, plans are underway for the top floor of the building. 

“It's called Pintora Lounge, Pintora, which is a female painter,” David said.

Inspired by the artful aesthetics of female artists, a wine lounge, Pintora, is set to provide Kingsville with an upscale hangout. Fine wine, elegant design, and a vintage piano await the final additions of construction, opening the door to wanderlust in Kingsville in the coming new year.

Moreover, a vintage phone booth salvaged by Steven will serve as a centerpiece in the lounge. The phone, still functioning, will allow patrons to connect with the past, with proceeds from the calls donated to local animal shelters. The innovative idea bridges the gap between past and present, another passion they share.

With the Salazar providing a space for modern memories, Kate Apothecary providing the décor and decadence to any lifestyle, and Now with Pintora on the horizon, residents can’t help but notice how far Kingsville has come, with locals like David and Steven pushing it into the modern era. 

“Restoration, not renovation, is key,” David emphasized. “I’m really pretty meticulous about when I restore something that has historical significance. I want to restore it to the way it was and then maybe give it a little bit of a facelift, but only in terms of not changing the integrity of it at all,” David said.

The monopoly board of style and urban life, David and Steven are proving themselves to be the kings of Kingsville, bringing a bright and chic future to the rural ranch town while carefully and respectfully preserving its past. Telling its stories by establishing modern spaces where new stories may thrive.

“I think we’re here for a reason,” Steven said. “We’re still figuring out all those reasons, but I think we’re here for a higher purpose. We have a mission, a vision for Kingsville, and we believe in it,” David said. 

Note from the writer: A message of gratitude for our brothers and sisters who have put themselves on the front lines in defense of the American dream: Since the inception of the great American experiment, the idea of freedom has woven us together in unity. What is never lost among us civilians is the sacrifice of the men and women who have come before us and who stand before us now, defending our sacred right to freedom. The American idea would not be possible without these ideal Americans, listed here, who represent just a fraction of those we are indebted to—a debt we strive to repay in every aspect of our American lives.

Simply speaking words of gratitude hardly begins to express the depth of our appreciation for those who serve. In an increasingly divisive political climate, what has always made America strong is the ability to unite across political lines, race, gender, and sexual orientation, to express our gratitude for all who have made the ultimate choice to defend us, fight for us, and protect ALL of us.

To each and every veteran who has stood on the front line of any threat against the American idea: we thank you.

Apolonio E. Muñoz III

What inspired you to serve your country, and how did that decision shape your life?
To be honest, when I graduated high school (here in Kingsville), there really weren’t many options. I didn’t want to go to school (college), didn’t want to work in the oil field or at Walmart, so I chose the Army as a way to leave home and start my life on my own. I’m glad I chose the military—it gave me not only the chance to leave my small hometown but also the opportunity to meet great people and do many great things. I now have the honor of working with Veterans, starting when I was in LA working with homeless Veterans, and now locally through the VFW and American Legion. I also co-produce the Kleberg County Veterans Resource Fair, bringing together area service providers to serve our local Veterans. Last year, in our inaugural event, we provided services to approximately 150 veterans with the help of 80 service providers from all over the state.

What lessons about unity and patriotism did you learn while serving that you carry with you today?
In the Army, you learn that you are part of a family made up of many different types of people, but you are all there for a common purpose and are part of the same team. We had a saying that "we all bleed green," lol. We also learned the importance of never leaving a battle buddy behind—no matter what, you take care of the soldier to your left and right, as they will do the same for you. I still carry this value with me to this day.

How did your experience in the military impact your perspective on freedom and what it means to protect it?
When I was deployed to Iraq, I was able to visit a country that does not remotely have the ability to be free and do the things they wish, like we do here in the U.S. or in most of the world. It was definitely an eye-opener. Especially now that I’m out of the closet—I was not when I was in the military (served under DADT)—it would be extremely unsafe to be openly gay there, as it was considered not only a sin (as they are highly religious) but illegal. People could be killed if they were caught acting in any way other than what was expected of a straight man. When I left the military, I eventually came out and now advocate for others to live their lives as they wish. As long as they are not harming themselves or anyone else, they should be able to live their lives as they see fit. We as a society have no right to limit someone’s life or freedoms simply because we don’t agree with it or our religion thinks it is wrong. We are a mixed society of many faiths and many types of people, and each and every one of us deserves to be happy and love whoever we wish, especially if that person makes us happy.

What message would you share with younger generations about the importance of serving and honoring one’s country?
If this is something you truly want to do, then go for it. It can be very beneficial—it helps you not only grow as a person, but you also learn many leadership skills that can translate to the civilian world when you leave the military. It can help you pay for college, there are great benefits, lifelong friends, and you get to see the world. But it also comes with risks, such as the possibility of being deployed in the event of war or other conflicts. The benefits, in my opinion, outweigh the risks, but it is not a lifestyle for everyone. If this is something you want to do, then by all means, don’t let anyone discourage you—go for it.

How has your military service influenced the way you celebrate national holidays like Memorial Day or Veterans Day?
Personally, I don’t like to celebrate these holidays as they are considered sacred, in my opinion. Many use them as a day to get out of work and party (i.e. BBQ), but as a Veteran who witnessed war and lost some close comrades, it is a day to reflect and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

In what ways do you continue to feel connected to your brothers and sisters in arms, and how does that bond reflect the spirit of patriotism?
I’m active with the local American Legion, VFW, and the University’s Veteran Community MVRC and Veterans Upward Bound. I’m also one of the Co-Chairs for the Kleberg County Veterans Resource Fair and recently became a founding member of the Veterans Leather Alliance. Through these organizations, I stay connected with the Veteran community and work alongside many Veterans and their families. We not only create a strong-knit family, but we advocate for our fellow Veterans, especially in times of need. If it weren’t for these groups, I wouldn’t be in my current situation of recently graduating with my Bachelor's and entering the MSW Program at TAMUK.

Mark Quintanilla

What inspired you to serve your country, and how did that decision shape your life?
Since I was young, I always loved the Army. In high school, I joined the HM King JROTC program and the TAMUK ROTC program in college, so I think my inspiration came from that. Joining the Army is one of the best decisions I made. It shaped my life with structured discipline and leadership skills that I still use today as a retiree.

Can you describe a moment during your service that made you feel most proud to be an American?
During the National Anthem. Before, it was just our nation’s song played before an event, where everyone stood up and placed their hand over their heart. Now, when the Anthem is being performed, I stand at attention, fight back the tears, and think of all the challenges we went through to get to where we are today.

How did your experience in the military impact your perspective on freedom and what it means to protect it?
When I was younger, I took voting for granted. I didn’t feel like it mattered. Now, as a retiree, I know how important it is to cast your vote and encourage everyone to do the same. This is a right for everyone—to have the freedom to choose who they feel is the best option. As an American, this is, in my opinion, the most important freedom.

Jennifer Demoss

What inspired you to serve your country, and how did that decision shape your life?
I chose to join because my family—at least my dad’s side—has served in the military since the Revolutionary War. Then in 2001, I saw the Twin Towers go down. I remember walking into one of my classrooms, and everyone had the news on. I saw the second plane hit, and I knew right then that I was going to join eventually.

Can you describe a moment during your service that made you feel most proud to be an American?
We went through a period of training called AIT (Advanced Individual Training), and for Thanksgiving, they "adopted" us out. Families around Fort Bliss were able to come in and take a soldier or two home for Thanksgiving if they couldn’t go home themselves. This couple that adopted me and a friend took us out and paraded us around, making us feel like we were the best thing on earth. It was really the first experience I had where someone was so grateful for us joining. It made me want to make other people feel that same way too.

What message would you share with younger generations about the importance of serving and honoring one’s country?
If you want to change something, you have to change it from the inside. There are a lot of things in this country that need to be improved, but by joining and serving, you can make your voice heard. Even if it takes a few years, you can still fight and work to change things.

How has your military service influenced the way you celebrate national holidays like Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
Memorial Day is a little harder for me because I have lost friends—some to suicide, some to training accidents, and some to incidents overseas. It’s hard, but I try to keep them in my heart and keep going. Veterans Day is different. I’m still in contact with friends I made in basic training, and we have a whole Facebook group page where we message each other. It’s a day to stay present and remember everyone.

What do you think are the most important ways civilians can honor the service and sacrifice of veterans?
That’s a loaded question. I still have issues when people thank me for my service because I don’t feel like I did much. I joined, I did two years before I got injured, and then I had to get out. When people say "thank you," I don’t know how to respond because all I did was go to work. I didn’t do anything special; I just went to work. You basically give yourself to them, and they assign you wherever you’re needed. The only thing I can say is when someone thanks us, I’ve come up with, "Thank you for your support." Without the support of people, I wouldn’t have made it through the military. Maybe look for programs that make donations to veterans or soldiers that are deployed. For example, Crown Royal sometimes does a thing where you can send care packages to soldiers that are deployed. They send trail mix, baby wipes, and other necessities. I try to send stuff every time I can. It’s totally free for the person sending it, and you can leave notes of encouragement or thanks.

John R. Joiner

What inspired you to serve your country, and how did that decision shape your life?
There were a lot of things going on in my life at the time that influenced my decision, but once I made the decision, that was the route I was going to take. It was really a financial decision. My dad had been in the Marine Corps—he was a veteran of World War II and Korea—and he instilled in me the need for service to our country. So, I kind of grew up with that. I never really wanted to be in the military, but at that particular time in my life, it was something I had to do. We still had the draft, and I decided I would give it a shot.

What lessons about unity and patriotism did you learn while serving?
I learned a lot of different lessons. It’s important to stay focused and take care of other people, especially if they need it. There were a lot of lessons I needed, and it was part of my growing up—that’s really what my military service was about.

What message would you share with younger generations about the importance of serving and honoring one’s country?
There are a lot of ways of doing it; it doesn’t necessarily have to be done in the military—that’s one way. But anytime you give of yourself to help other people, I think you’re on the right road. Now, since I was in the military, of course, that’s what I talk about, but there are a lot of ways to help people. You just need to get that in your mind—the importance of serving others and how important it is to serve your country in some way. But you need to find that for yourself. Military service is one way, but not the only way.

For us civilians, what’s the best way to show gratitude to service members?
Taking care of veterans—taking care of them emotionally, not just financially. Be there for them. There are a lot of hurting people out there, and veterans are definitely some of the most hurting, for a lot of different reasons. I’d like to see more emotional care for veterans. You can’t do anything about the wars, but you can definitely take care of those who come back. War affects you in some very negative ways, and veterans need support.

How has your military service influenced the way you celebrate national holidays like Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
I get very solemn on those days, for lots of different reasons. Both Memorial Day and Veterans Day affect me a lot. It’s more a feeling—sometimes a feeling of loss—because there were people I knew who didn’t come back. And there’s the hope that we never have to go through war again.

Centered in the heart of Kingsville, Texas, Ol’ Girls Kitchen blends home-style cooking with a dash of the supernatural, attracting diners not only for its famous turkey dinner but for its ghostly visitors, as owners Melissa and Mary Ann Woodruff share stories of those that linger within their historic eatery.

Steeped in Southern tradition and warmth, Ol’ Girls Kitchen has provided Kingsville, Texas, with the comfort of home-style cooking since its opening in April 2018. Their family recipes, some dating back four generations, are as old as the town itself. Located on the historic downtown strip, the restaurant has become a staple, offering hometown nostalgia and a cozy kitchen-table atmosphere filled with tokens of a bygone era. The turkey dinner plate is so popular that securing a table has become a town-wide test of strategy. Owned by mother-daughter duo Mary Ann and Melissa Woodruff, Ol’ Girls Kitchen is so welcoming that some guests refuse to leave.

Situated prominently in the center of town, just a stone’s throw from The King Ranch Saddle Shop, Ol’ Girls Kitchen at 213 E. Kleberg Ave. was once home to the First State Bank, dating back to 1935. The Woodruffs took ownership following the death of their cousin, Linda, of Linda’s Main Street Café. A framed portrait of the former bank president, Mr. Collins, serves as the centerpiece of the eatery, perfectly perched atop an open bank vault that patrons can peek into.

“In 1931, in the middle of the Depression, people were worried about their money,” Melissa said. “In September, they started coming in and asking if everything was okay. They were told everything was fine. In October, the bank closed.” 

An iron-clad door with a spoke-wheeled lock serves as a heavy reminder of that era. 

“I've had some customers come in who used to work here. One of them, in her 90s, told me she used to sit in the vault and cash checks,” Melissa said.

Nestled within the vault is a gift from a frequent patron: a pillow depicting three embracing skeletons, a fitting reminder that not all guests at Ol’ Girls Kitchen may be seen or heard. For the Woodruffs, these after-hours visitors are more than evident.

The Woodruffs dove headfirst into an industry notoriously riddled with pressure. Even the humble location can't tame the heat of the kitchen. Early in their venture, strange occurrences began to manifest; chairs screeching across the dining floor, misplaced utensils, and whispering voices echoing in the kitchen hallway.

“When we came here, there was a gross teal carpet on the floor. Mom and I ripped that up while painting the walls and cleaning. It was crazy. But in the doorway, I would see a little short, heavy-set lady in a dress,” Melissa recalled. “One day, I was in the pantry on a six-foot ladder, Cloroxing the top shelf. You know how you feel someone looking at you? I turned, and a tall, skinny man in a suit was standing there. They were here all the time while we were trying to revamp everything,” she said.

As time passed, more manifestations began, including soft music. 

“I would be here for catering in the middle of the night doing desserts until 3 or 4 a.m. While waiting on things in the oven, I would sit in the office. Between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m., I would hear an old-timey piano playing and women talking to each other and singing,” Melissa said.

Given that Kingsville is a town rich in history, it’s no surprise it has its share of supernatural tales. Downtown has become a center for ghostly activity, with stories spilling into every corner of the area. A notorious alleged exorcism in a Texas A&I dormitory has fueled the rumor mill for generations, intertwining paranormal activity with Kingsville's identity.

The occurrences at Ol’ Girls Kitchen have attracted ghost hunters and investigators. 

“The very first group that came here had a spirit box, and we got eight names: Steve, Tina, Pam, Greg, Christopher, and two more,” Melissa said. “Steve and Tina liked it. They liked to talk.” 

The ghost hunters used a device to visualize energy, creating stick figures on their screens.

The second ghost team, South Texas Haunts, was riveted by the activity and featured Ol’ Girls Kitchen in the third season of their show. 

“The second group was South Texas Haunts out of Corpus Christi. I love these people because they approach it from a scientific view, not a sensationalist one,” Melissa said. “The first time they came, they set up a lot of equipment, and we got intelligent responses to our questions, like, 'Do you know where you are?' They responded, ‘Kingsville.’ Even more riveting was the introduction of Steve. ‘Then Steve and Tina came through heavily,’ Melissa said. ‘Steve was a talker. He let us know that he used to work for the newspaper as a printer, and he’s married to Tina.’”

The Woodruffs have since focused on a call to action from Texas A&M University to assist in uncovering more history. 

“I reached out to the college library to see if they can get a student to do some research on it because I really want to prove that it’s true. That would be really neat,” Melissa said of Steve’s past news-printing life.

Among an estimated 18 distinct spirits that dwell within the restaurant, one has captured the Woodruffs' hearts. 

“The little boy, Christopher, we were at this table and started asking questions. I said, ‘Christopher, are you here?’ And he said, ‘Yes,’” Melissa said. “I asked, ‘Why are you here?’ and he replied, ‘Because I died.’ We all heard it with our own ears; it didn’t come through the machine. A woman then said, ‘That's enough, honey.’ We were all shocked,” Melissa said.

Christopher's innocent voice serves as a reminder of the souls lost. Perhaps it offers a humbling perspective: those who dwell between this life and the next may not be as scary as tall tales suggest. 

“If you're here, and you're paying attention, and Christopher is interested in you, you can feel a temperature change in your lap, on your thighs, by 10 to 15 degrees. We’ve tested that. He comes and sits in your lap. He is little,” Melissa said.

As the Woodruffs expand their investigation into the happenings, business flows normally. Customers, aware of the restaurant's history, seem to embrace the added company. Interest in the restaurant has grown, leading the Woodruffs to offer ghost tours, allowing guests to investigate and make contact with the other side. 

“I give each tour a short history, and then we let them go to gather their own evidence. Everyone gets so excited,” Melissa said. “The paranormal team leads some of the questions. When they start talking, people get really engaged. It’s fun.”

For the mother-daughter duo, the spirits within their walls have become as familiar as their recipes. 

“Ours are friendly. They don’t bother us. One night, when they were asking questions, they asked, ‘Do you know what this place is?’ and it said, ‘Restaurant.’ They were asked if they liked the fact that it’s a restaurant with all the people here, and they said yes,” Melissa said.

The ghost tours will return just in time for the Halloween season. Ol’ Girls Kitchen, along with South Texas Haunts, will host two tours on October 26, one from 10 to 11 p.m. and the second from 11 p.m. to midnight. Like the famous turkey plate, these tours have become coveted, with only ten spots available per tour. Tickets will be $10, benefiting animal rescue groups and shelters in the area.

As the rumor mill continues to spin, one can't help but think of the past lives downtown Kingsville has experienced. Whispers of other ghostly occurrences can also be heard from those still living in the area. For Mary Ann and Melissa Woodruff, they have embraced their kitchen dwellers, hoping they might lend a helping hand as turkey season approaches.