About us

About us

Public House exists to be the premier dining experience in Amarillo. We help families, couples, friends and colleagues create lasting memories.

PUBLIC HOUSE HISTORY

Public House first opened its doors in 2014, founded by Curtis and Staci McGill alongside Brian and Savanah Singleton. What began as a shared vision for exceptional food and hospitality soon became a beloved Amarillo gathering place.

In 2018, after nearly 20 years in the corporate world, Jay felt called to begin a new chapter—one centered on his love for food, whiskey, wine, and, most importantly, people. Conversations with Curtis McGill began casually as ideas shared over mutual interests, but neither party anticipated where those conversations would lead. Those conversations ultimately led Jay and Chonda Brent to acquire Public House, ushering in a new era—one that continues today.

About the Owners

Jay and Chonda are both “local kids” with a deep love for Amarillo and its people. Jay comes from a fifth-generation farm and ranch family and has a lifelong appreciation for the cowboy lifestyle. Though you might not guess it today, he spent many years horseback daily, punching cattle and living the ranch life he still holds dear.

Chonda is deeply involved in real estate, with a passion for remodeling homes and helping clients buy and sell properties. Together, Jay and Chonda have been active members of their church since 2000, have been married since 1995, and are proud parents to a daughter, son-in-law, and one grandchild.

Both Jay and Chonda are hands-on owners who love working alongside their team, continually dreaming of ways to elevate Public House as Amarillo’s premier dining destination. It is their sincere joy to provide a place where families, couples, friends, and colleagues can gather and create lasting memories around the table.

ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Public House a chain or franchise? While there are restaurants in other towns with the same name, Public House Amarillo is independently owned and operated. There is no affiliation—we are truly the one and only.

What was this building originally? The building at 3333 S. Coulter, Suite A, has a rich history of its own.

From the late 1990s until around 2009, it was home to Santa Fe Restaurant & Cantina. During that time, what is now our wine room featured a working fountain. Around 2009–2010, the space became Nachos, where the former fountain was converted into a tortilla factory. Pippito’s followed shortly thereafter and operated until approximately 2013. In 2014, the space was transformed once again—this time into Public House.

Each chapter has added to the character of the building, and we are proud to continue its story today.

We use fresh, quality ingredients to prepare our elevated comfort food menu. House favorites include our gourmet mac & cheese, fried cheese curds, and hand cut angus steaks. We have fish flown in twice a week making it some of the freshest seafood around. Our house meatloaf is made with beef, pork and duck. A unique and delicious house favorite. We also have many guests tell us we have the best burger in town. If you are looking for something on the lighter side, we also offer a wide variety of gourmet salads with house made dressings.

Public House wine selection is Wine Spectator awarded and is one of the finest in the panhandle. We also have a great selection of craft beer. We have the largest whiskey list in Amarillo. Our cocktail menu contains our spin on some traditional favorites as well as 2-3 fun seasonal cocktails. We take pride in using the best ingredients we can find. Our juices are hand squeezed and you can taste the difference. Our bar staff is second to none and can craft most any drink you can come up with.

Whether you're looking for a romantic evening or a casual place to share a meal with friends and family, Public House is THE gathering place.