Happy Birthday “Mr. B “

We are remembering one of the San Antonio Riverwalk’s innovators and iconic figures….Bob Buchanan, who celebrates his 80th birthday this week.

Photo: Bob Buchanan…..Author

Raised in San Antonio, he graduated from Duke University, and after his mom sent him a newspaper clipping discussing a plan to develop the San Antonio Riverwalk, he teamed up with a friend Arthur “Hap” Veltman, and opened “The Kangaroo Court” restaurant in August 1968. It was located on the river where the “Five and Dime” store now stands. In those days, there wasn’t much commercial activity down by the river, and with the inspiration of David Straus, who was encouraging the city to draw visitors to the Riverwalk at the same time as Hemisfair was happening, Bob Buchanan and “Hap” Veltman took the plunge, and acquired this property for their new venture.

Photo: Kangaroo Court…..Craig Hartley

The “Kangaroo Court” quickly earned a reputation for its food and fun. The restaurant would hold mock trials for customers who were celebrating special events like birthdays and anniversaries. Those “on trial” would sit in witness stand salvaged from the Galveston Courthouse, while false “charges” were leveled at them. Guests would be the “jury,” and then determine the fate of the accused, which usually involved a discount.

Photos: Author

As one of only about 6 businesses on the Riverwalk in those days, the “Kangaroo Court” was a pioneer establishment. Back then, most restaurants mostly  served Pearl, Lone Star or Schlitz beers. In an interview with Mr. B, he recalled that “The Kangaroo Court had 12 tap beers and 24 imports available” 

The Kangaroo Court also hired mostly college students to serve as wait staff….something quite unique in those days.

Bob Buchanan added, “ If it was an employee’s birthday or last voluntary day of work…into the river they were thrown.” Such behavior today would warrant a hefty fine from the park police.

Photo: Author

Bob Buchanan and “Hap” Veltman went on to open another restaurant at that location, called The Greenhouse which served fresh organic vegetables, fruit juices, cheeses, and sandwiches with home-made bread. This focus on healthy food really set The Greenhouse apart from other restaurants.

The Kangaroo Court closed in 2003, but along the way, Bob Buchanan also opened other restaurants on the San Antonio Riverwalk including The Big Bend and Maximillians, which was located in the Witte Building next to the flood gate.

Then in March 1988, he opened The Original Mexican Restaurant right next door to the Kangaroo Court location. There was a former “Original Mexican Restaurant on the Riverwalk, located across the river on Lasoya Street, which operated on the river from 1899 to 1959, and was owned by the Farnsworth family. Gaining permission to use the same name, today’s “Original Mexican Restaurant” features the legendary cheesecake recipes which made the “Kangaroo Court” famous.

Photo: Courtesy of The Original Mexican Restaurant

Photo: Bob Buchanan with Author

These days Bob Buchanan can still be found behind the bar at The Original Mexican Restaurant greeting customers. When asked how he is doing, his signature reply is, “Oh, I’m just super-duper, hunky-dory, and peachy-keen!”

The San Antonio Riverwalk has given a lot to Bob Buchanan, and he has given back in spades. He has served as the President of the Paseo del Rio Association, and serves as an active voice and a true ambassador promoting the Alamo City.

“Happy Birthday Mr. B“

Sources:

sanantonioreport.org

guides.mysapl.org

originalmexican.com

Author interview with Bob Buchanan

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