In the heart of historic downtown Conroe, preservation is not merely about maintaining old brick and wood. Debbie Glenn is an accomplished Texas songwriter, entrepreneur, and culinary visionary who is transforming the local landscape one venue at a time. Driven by a desire to preserve the rich heritage of her adopted hometown where her four children Haley, Jacob, Rachel, and Sarah were born, Glenn has curated three distinct downtown establishments that fuse high-end culinary craft with deep Texas soul.
Red Brick Tavern: Historic Lore meets scratch-made culinary excellence
Occupying the oldest continuously running restaurant space in Conroe, The Red Brick
Tavern at 121 Simonton Street rests on ground deeply soaked in Texas history. Originally built in 1923, the building was purchased for $5,000 by Felix Anderson (F. A.) Tally, Jr., who transformed it into Tally’s Domino Hall. Operating from 1932 until 2000, Tally’s held Montgomery County’s oldest beer license in the state. It functioned originally as an exclusive male-only retreat where oil tycoons signed multi-million-dollar contracts, locals played "Moon" dominoes, and cold beers were pulled from an ice coolrs.. Today, under Debbie's ownership, the tavern has evolved into an award-winning landmark, recently named the 2026 Restaurant of the Year for Montgomery County by the Texas Restaurant Association. Known for its elevated, made from scratch kitchen, the venue’s flagship menu items consistently draw discerning palates.
Here are some of Red Brick's greatest hits:
Tavern Burger: A certified Angus beef patty stacked with bacon, an over-easy egg, chipotle aioli, and habanero bacon jam.
Barbecue Meatloaf: Served alongside slow-simmered collard greens.
Pistachio-Crusted Chicken & Filet Mignon Pizza: Two standout savory favorites
Signature Bloody Mary: A dramatic "meal in a glass" garnished with a skewer of jumbo shrimp,
savory andouille sausage, and assorted cheeses.
Lucy Blue: Honoring the Legends of Blues Guitar
Step across downtown to Lucy Blues, a venue located in the historic former Tuts building, the
longest running bar location in Conroe and the second oldest in Montgomery County. Originally a
metal fabrication shop in the late 1800s, the location hosted iconic musical acts for decades before Debbie acquired it to revitalize its classic courtyard and interior charm.
The name "Lucy Blues" serves as a direct tribute to music history and the iconic "Lucy" guitars that shaped blues music history:
Eric Clapton & George Harrison: A nod to the famous Gibson Les Paul named "Lucy" that Clapton
gifted to George Harrison of the Beatles.
B.B. King and Albert King sometimes referred to as the original "Blues Brothers" had two famous guitars B.B. King's "Lucille," the legendary Gibson guitar that he famously ran into a burning building to save was named after comedian Lucille Ball. And Albert King primarily played a 1959 Korina Gibson Flying V named Lucy.
Today, Lucy Blues combines its legendary ambiance with crowd-pleasing culinary traditions,
including special first-Friday steak nights, artisanal pizzas, and signature sandwiches like the popular Etta James.
Little Roux: Private Celebrations with a real speakeasy heritage and venue space
Completing Glenn’s trio of destinations is Little Roux (formerly 202). Designed to capture a sophisticated Creole-Italian fusion profile, the space has rapidly evolved into an exclusive event destination for corporate gatherings, rehearsal dinners, and intimate celebrations. The venue is expanding its footprint with a brand-new, private secret speakeasy section, offering tailored craft cocktail experiences alongside its signature culinary fare and old fashioned seating.
SOUTHERN DISPOSITION: The Band behind the songwriter
As fun as the restaurants are Debbie's deepest personal passion is her music. Named the 2018 Texas Songwriter of the Year, she fronts the acclaimed band Southern Disposition, blending country, blues, and southern rock. The band’s tight-knit line-up brings Glenn’s personal songwriting to life on stage:
Southern Disposition's Star Studded Cast:
Billy Hillman Lead Guitar
Michael "Holler" Hollowman Drums
Brian Litman Bass Guitar
Scott Nutter Bass Guitar
Once Debbie had four children she felt maybe her songwriting and performing days were behind her. But a pivotal conversation with a giant in the Texas music world Hank Cochran told her if its in you, you have to let it out. Hank was the very man who famously refused to buy Willie Nelson’s song "Crazy."
As the story goes, when a young, broke Willie Nelson tried to sell "Crazy" on the spot just to pay his bills, the gentleman turned him down. He refused to exploit a desperate writer, instead insisting that Willie hold onto his publishing rights, taking him under his wing, and helping launch his career the right way.
Years later, that same legendary figure sat down with Debbie. Recognizing her raw talent and hearing the songs she had set aside, he gave her the exact same unfiltered encouragement: he talked her out of leaving her music behind and convinced her to pick up the pen again. That push didn't just reignite her passion—it led directly to her becoming the 2018 Texas Songwriter of the Year and fueled the music-first ethos that defines Red Brick Tavern, Lucy Blues, and Little Roux today.
Having recently returned from recording five new tracks in Nashville under renowned producers Jim "Moose" Brown and Dan Frizsell, Glenn continues to find inspiration in everyday moments, especially when sitting along the shoreline or next to a waterfall. Her upcoming single, "Angel's Fall," encapsulates her philosophy on resilience, reminding listeners that no matter how far one stumbles, hope and strength always endure.
Whether delivering soulful performances on stage or overseeing world-class hospitality across her
three venues, Debbie Glenn continues to shape the cultural and culinary heart of Conroe.