How Cody Hirt and Brad Strittmatter are helping turn the Square into a place to gather
What started as one experiment has quietly grown into several of the most recognizable businesses on Georgetown’s Historic Square.
Cody Hirt and Brad Strittmatter opened Mesquite Creek Outfitters nearly a decade ago. At the time, neither expected the project to grow into a collection of restaurants, retail spaces, and gathering spots many locals now associate with the heart of downtown. “We were actually looking at opening Mesquite Creeks in other towns,” Cody says. “But then we had a conversation with David Morgan, the city manager, and he said, ‘I love that for you guys, but I’d also love to see you reinvest in Georgetown.’ That really shifted our focus.”
WHERE COMMUNITY HAPPENS
Instead of expanding outward, the partners began expanding here at home. Within months they were working on their next concept, the upscale Golden Rule restaurant, followed by additional projects that now include casual dining, retail, and pop-up experiences around the Square.
“We didn’t want to sit back and complain about growth,” Cody says. “We wanted to help steer it a little bit.” Part of that vision was creating spaces where people naturally come together. Over the years Mesquite Creek Outfitters has hosted everything from game nights to political rallies, earning a nickname from one local: Georgetown’s living room. “One year we had a couple send us a Thanksgiving photo,” Cody says. “The first year it was just the two of them sitting here. The next year there were more than 40 people in the photo. They said they met all those friends at Mesquite Creek.”
That same community-minded approach has influenced other businesses as well. Brad and Cody helped the team behind Tejas Meat Supply rethink their concept from a traditional butcher shop into a casual restaurant and hangout spot on the Square—a shift that has proven so successful the owners just opened a second location in Round Rock.
Brad says the guiding idea behind each concept is simple; “Our goal is to build community and serve others,” he says. “If we enjoy it, we hope other people will too.”
That philosophy even shows up in the details. Fireplaces anchor several locations because, as Cody explains, “A lot of your best stories happen sitting around a fire.”
MORE THAN DECOR
Some stories are reflected in the décor. The mounted animals that line the walls of Mesquite Creek Outfitters sometimes surprise visitors, but many represent something deeper. Several are tied to trips the partners have taken with Veterans Outdoors, including one with a combat veteran who lost both legs in service. Moments like that remain reminders of the friendships and experiences that came from those trips.
Family also plays a role in the businesses. Three of their five children already work with them, and Brad’s oldest son Joe started helping when he was 13.
Both say their upbringing shaped how they run their businesses. Cody grew up on a West Texas farm where fixing problems yourself was a way of life, while Brad moved frequently as the son of an Air Force pilot. “Those experiences gave us a can-do attitude,” Cody says. “And the partnership helps too. If one of us is down, the other one is usually up.”
The Square itself has changed dramatically over the past decade, evolving into a destination filled with boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, and events. Brad believes downtown’s success depends on maintaining that balance. “It can’t all be restaurants or boutiques,” he says. “We need a healthy mix.”
Local ownership also helps preserve Georgetown’s character. “We want to see local owner-operators here,” Cody says. “We don’t want some big box store coming in and messing up the vibe.”
BUILT FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
Looking ahead, the partners believe the Square is in a strong place. “I think we’ve got a great mix of businesses run by great people,” Brad says. “It’s a pretty good time to be on the Square.”
If Cody has his way, the future will still look much like the present—children playing near the courthouse while parents relax nearby.
“In ten years,” he says, “I still want to see kids running around the Square while the parents feel comfortable enough to sit back and enjoy it.”
For Cody and Brad, success isn’t measured only by business growth, but by the community that gathers around it.