KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
March 18, 2025
By Natalie Cook Clark
The Dryer in Katy combines entertainment and local history. The Katy Beer Garden opened last year, now the developer gives an update as Phase II prepares to open.
Formally known as the Cardiff Rice Dryer, The Dryer is an iconic Katy landmark that can easily be seen from I-10 when people pass through the city. The Dryer incorporates entertainment and history in its historic space.
Developer 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.”
Last year Phase I, which involved the Katy Beer Garden opened to the Katy people. Now Phase II is planned to open possibly as early as the end of next month.
“Phase II will finally open up the JV Cardiff Dryer itself to the public,” says Nurcahya. “You will be able to touch the building.”
Phase II includes six micro vendors, a playground, ridable train and model train exhibit. Vendors will be mostly food and beverages. Visitors will be able to enjoy different options with international flare.
A large green space will be available for events. While there is no schedule for the space yet, plans are being made.
“In the mornings we have had requests for Yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates,” says Nurcahya. “In the evenings we would love to involve local charities, clubs, organizations to make use of our green space and stage. Some ideas we have include hosting unique specific events, movie nights, music nights, etc.”
This new green space is separate from Katy Beer Garden’s area.
“This will allow The Dryer to offer this space for Katy and its surrounding community to suggest and reserve this area for community events,” explains Nurcahya.
Starting this Saturday, March 22, 2025, The Dryer will start hosting a weekly Farmer’s Market from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This market will focus on only fresh produce, dairy, meats, etc. This Saturday they will debut the weekly event with eight vendors.
“We will have pop-up tents scattered around Phase II grounds for arts, crafts and other merchandise,” says Nurcahya.
Sticking with the focus on entertainment for the Katy family, The Dryer will debut a rideable train that kids and adults will love. Katy is engrained with a rich history of trains and this feature pays tribute to the city’s history.
I believe the JV Cardiff Rice Dryer being such a significant symbol for the City of Katy,” says Nurcahya. ““Building a community gathering place while promoting Katy's history and tourism are our main goals.”
Follow The Dryer on Facebook for information as this exciting space continues to be developed for the enjoyment of Katy families.