Huey's - More than a Bar

Written by Alexandra Oshman, July 2026

After the restoriation of the old Rubiola General Store by real estate developer and historic preservationist Hap Veltman, Huey's opened in June of 1986. A Cajun restaurant-turned-bar with live music at night quickly became a fan favorite among Trinity students during its seven years on the strip.

Huey’s was first put on students' radar through the Trinitonian’s A Guide to Dining on the Strip in March of 871. The Trinitonian described Huey’s as a Louisiana treat with boiled crawfish, an outside patio, and a late-night happy hour. Home of the infamous "Hueycane," the place was the center of festivity at night.2

Huey’s quickly created a friendly relationship with Trinity students. They even allowed the Trinitonian to interview their current manager, Steve Loving, regarding what made a bar on the strip successful. Loving argued that “good food is the base”3 of Huey’s, especially since they were a Cajun restaurant in the day before turning into a bar at night. Attributing Huey’s success to “good food, great lunch crowd, and good values,”3 allowing them to not just rely on the volatile bar scene, especially on the strip. Loving even noted Trinity as a part of their success, stating that students are a significant portion of their consumer base.

Huey’s returned the favor to Trinity students and was one of the sponsors for the biannual Phonathon, donating prizes to Trinity students who were a part of the fundraising campaign4. Huey’s also started advertising specifically to Trinity students. Calling the business “The IN College Hangout” and promoted themselves as caterers for sorority and fraternity parties5. They even put Help Wanted ads in the Trinitonian for bar tenders and cocktail servers. Showing Huey’s trusted Trinity students so much they were willing to hire them.6

Though, like many businesses on the strip, the early 90’s hit Huey’s hard. Not only was there a new perceived notion of violence on the strip, but the country was also facing a recession, which especially hurt local business. This caused Huey’s to have to increase both security and operating costs, but nonetheless, the business was able to stay in the green7. Manager Lidia Silva stated that their ability to stay open through the tough times was not relying solely on bar patrons but ensuring they were also a successful restaurant.5

However, like many bars, there is always the worry that nightlife could have a negative effect on a situation. Bridget O’Lovin, a Trinity student, had her car stolen within 30 minutes of arriving at Huey’s8. Huey’s security was not up to par to keep patrons safe with the violence that can often be associated with nightlife. Thankfully, her car was found the next day. This incident could not stop Bridget’s love for the strip, as she continued to go but vowed to be more careful. While Huey’s did not have regular security issues before this, after multiple car break-ins, they decided to add more security, including having SAPD patrolling around their venue.

Huey’s success is attributed to its ability to serve multiple types of customers: bargoers, music lovers, and people just wanting a good Cajun meal. This allowed Huey’s to serve multiple types of Trinity students; regardless of your interests, students could find something about Huey's they loved.

Notes:

“A guide to dining on the strip.” Trinitonian, 5 March. 1987. Trinity University Digitized Publications.
“Local hangouts offer students diverse fun.” Trinitonian, 2 Sept. 1988. Trinity University Digitized Publications.
Dickinson, Debroah “A recipe for a good bar.” Trinitonian, 29 April. 1988. Trinity University Digitized Publications.
Phonathon “Thank you.” Advertisement. Trinitonian, 2 Dec. 1988. Trinity University Digitized Publications.
Huey’s “The IN College Hangout.” Advertisement. Trinitonian, 6 Sept. 1991. Trinity University Digitized Publications.
Huey’s “Help Wanted.” Advertisement. Trinitonian, 22 Nov. 1991. Trinity University Digitized Publications.
VanArsdale, Rachel "Restaurants unhurt by recession." Trinitonian, 15 Feb. 1991. Trinity University Digitized Publications.
Hayter, Heather "Fun seekers brave St. Mary’s despite dangers." Trinitonian, 2 Oct. 1992. Trinity University Digitized Publications.

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