Court approves design for Bob Hall Pier restaurant; commissioners clarify bar option is alternate and budget‑driven

Nueces County Commissioners Court approved plans Thursday to proceed with design and contingency approval for a restaurant space at Bob Hall Pier, with caveats requested by commissioners about family‑friendly design.

Commissioner Mike Pusley asked for clarification after reviewing submitted floor plans that showed a bar located in the center of the floor. He told the court he supports the restaurant but wants the facility to be presented as family‑friendly rather than as a bar. County staff and Javier Huerta (project representative, joining by Zoom) said the central bar was an alternate in the design drawings and the base bid does not include a bar; they added that, given current estimates, it is unlikely an alternate bar would be included in the budget.

Commissioners also discussed the role of the Coastal Parks Board. Some commissioners recommended that the board’s recommendation be considered but noted the Coastal Parks Board has statutory authority to approve certain elements; the court confirmed staff would coordinate timing with the Parks Board since the board was scheduled to meet later the same day.

A motion to approve the design item passed unanimously; staff said the project will move forward with the base bid that excludes the bar unless later budget allocations permit an alternate.