By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post

Tiger Station is returning to Hays under the ownership of Verdant Bistro, which currently operates Kluckin Chicken and Shirley’s German To Go.

700 Main St. Tiger Station at was previously home to Fusion by Manual and a former gas station.

Verdant Bistro Owner Austin Petz said he was given the opportunity to operate in the historic building and couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

“We want to give Hays something local, better ingredients and cleaner ingredients, while maintaining affordability,” Petz said.

Petz opened Verdant Bistro in August of last year and said Tiger Station’s opening aims to offer a more accessible dining option.

While fast food options in Hays can meet this need, Petz is trying to compete with corporate chains by offering quality ingredients.

The menu includes the Tiger Station burger, spicy boi burger, all-day breakfast items and local beer that will be available soon.

“I have to recommend our tiger-style fries,” Petz said. “I must also highly recommend our burn tiger dog.”

Additional menu items like crunchies and pretzel bites evoke gas station nostalgia, matching the interior and exterior design.

The building features a wall with historic photographs of Hays and downtown. The patio includes a Sinclair gas pump for display and outdoor seating, which Petz plans to make the most of.

“The goal is to get a nice projector TV screen outside. You can expect us to play most of the Kansas City Chiefs football games,” he said.

Petz also said that he wants to implement an application with a reward system and offer the opportunity to work at Tiger Station in the middle of the night.

Tiger Station is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 to 20:00.

you can follow Tiger Station And Green Bistro on Facebook.

Kluckin’ Chicken and Shirley’s German To Go

Petz aims to update Kluckin’ Chicken and Shirley’s German To Go, including plans for rebranding.

Petz said Kluckin’ Chicken will change its name to Coupe and reshape its menu by focusing on fresh, quality ingredients at affordable prices.

“I heard a lot from the community and their thoughts,” Petz said. “We’re going to bring some really great chicken sandwiches.”

Given Hays’ German heritage, Petz said running Shirley’s German To Go is challenging because the restaurant tries to satisfy everyone’s past experiences with German food.

“There are people who walk in there and say, ‘Oh, if this doesn’t taste like my mom’s cooking, it’s no good,'” he said.

Petz said Shirley German To Go won’t see major changes for now.

With more restaurants under his belt, Petz remains optimistic thanks to his years of experience in the field.

“The restaurant industry is very risky. There are a lot of ups and downs, and it doesn’t matter who you are. It’s always going to be that way,” he said.

Petz also runs his own catering company. AGurmetIt became Verdant Bistro.

You can also follow Kluckin’ Chicken, Shirley’s German Will Go And Green Bistro on Facebook.