KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
July 11, 2023
By Natalie Cook Clark
Katy families will soon be able to sit among Katy history while enjoying a drink with family and friends. The Dryer has big plans to incorporate entertainment and history to the historic space. The Katy Beer Garden is set to open this December with 25,000 square-feet of entertainment perfect for making memories in Katy.
Photo courtesy of The Katy Heritage Society
History Meets Entertainment
Hadi (Andrew) Nurcahya had big plans for The Dryer when he bought the historic Katy landmark in 2021. Nurcahya described the endeavor as being a “passion project” that would take time to renovate the landmark, but that he was dedicated to making this a special place for the Katy people.
“My inspiration came from the Magnolia Silo in Waco and The Pearl in San Antonio,” says Nurcahya, the developer for The Dryer. “We are incorporating more heritage and history with our venue due to our deep roots here in Katy for Trains and Rice Farming.”
As Katy was founded because of the railway, Nurcahya says that they will be building a rideable train and an extensive model train exhibit in order to best incorporate Katy’s roots into the space.
The Katy Beer Garden at The Dryer will take up 25,000 square-feet of entertainment space. 10,000 square-feet will be an indoor space and 15,000 square-feet will be an outdoor garden shaded by large oak trees.
A German Inspired Beer Garden Katy-Style
“The Katy Beer Garden inspiration came from Munich, Germany,” says Nurcahya. “However, it will be themed with Katy, TX décor and served with warm southern hospitality.”
The Dryer is partnering with the Katy Heritage Society to open a Katy Gift Shop that will sell unique Katy souvenirs. There will also be a Katy Rice Dryer Museum that will educate visitors about Katy Rice Farming, rice drying operations as well as honor the Cardiff family.
Future development: parking lot (A), Katy Beer Garden (B), Main Street (C), and the rice dryer (D). Courtesy of Katy Beer Garden
Planned Multiple Tenants
The Dryer will host multiple tenants, with The Katy Beer Garden being the largest.
“I am hoping The Dryer to be a family destination where kids can play at our large outdoor fake turf space and parents can enjoy multiple vendors,” says Nurcahya. “It is a blend of History and progress.
A Bright Future in Historic Downtown Katy
Nurcahya hopes that The Dryer will spark a chain of development along Katy’s rice dryer strip along Highway 90. The City of Katy already has plans for the area to become the KT Entertainment District, but Nurcahya hopes that will be renamed to the Katy Rice Dryer District to honor the historic landmark.
“Like Magnolia Silo in Waco, I envision Katy Rice Dryer district to eventually develop into more unique stores, distinctive restaurants, hospitality, etc,” says Nurcahya. “And connecting Katy Rice Dryer district to downtown Katy History Square via pedestrian walkways and a train ride would be awesome.”
Follow The Dryer on Facebook for information as this exciting space continues to be developed for the enjoyment of Katy families.
#TheKatyGym #Town&Country
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