Construction is underway on a restaurant and concession space at the new Bob Hall Pier, with completion expected this fall. Nueces County officials give updates.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Construction is underway on the restaurant and concession space at the new Bob Hall Pier on Padre Island, marking the next chapter of a major coastal project.
Nueces County officials say the first phase of construction began earlier this week, with leaders emphasizing the importance of getting the initial groundwork right.
Commissioner Brent Chesney said the full project, including the restaurant and concession area, is expected to be completed around October, though several steps remain before that happens.
Visitors are already taking notice. Kimberley and Tammie Brown, sisters who have visited Corpus Christi annually for the past decade, said fishing is a central part of their trips with their mother.
“We’ve caught some reds today. It’s so pleasant out here and we’re just having a blast,” Kimberley Brown said.
The sisters said they are excited about the added amenities planned for the pier.
“So excited about the restaurant and the bait shop opening up,” Brown said.
Tammie Brown said having food and supplies on-site will make visits more enjoyable.
“A lot more convenient not having to leave and go all the way back to the bait shops. Just getting it here on the pier would be nice. And if you get hungry, you can get something to eat,” she said.
Before the restaurant is completed, Chesney said a new parking lot and road must be built.
“We’re going to build a new road, but we’re gonna wait until that big trestle that Callan Marine, we’re waiting for them to remove the trestle before we build that parking lot,” Chesney said.
He added that the structure is expected to be removed within the next 30 to 45 days.
Work on the restaurant itself is progressing, with foundational elements already in place.
“Over the next six to eight weeks you’ll see these topping slabs be put on, and then once that’s complete, you’ll see the actual structure start to appear,” Chesney said.
Scott Cross, Director of Nueces County Coastal Parks, said the current phase focuses heavily on infrastructure.
“There’s a lot of restrooms, sinks, all that kind of plumbing stuff, so we gotta get it just right. And I think that they want to get this done in about two weeks,” Cross said.
Once that phase is complete, walls for the structure will begin to go up.
County officials said construction activity on Padre Island will continue through 2027 as multiple projects move forward, including updates to the pier and the Briscoe King Pavilion.
Chesney said the Coastal Parks Board is expected to release a request for proposals within the next two to three months for operators interested in running the future restaurant.
Meanwhile, visitors like the Brown sisters say they plan to return to see the finished project.
“As long as if we have to crawl we’ll probably be coming we will and getting out there somehow and fishing,” Brown said.