Historic Riley’s Tavern owner says man tried to set fire to building

COMAL COUNTY, Texas  (KXAN) — The owner of Riley’s Tavern, a historic bar between San Marcos and New Braunfels, said he’s desperate to know who tried to set his business on fire early Saturday morning.

Security video shown to KXAN captured a person throwing a flaming object at the tavern’s wall. Flames began growing but only superficially damaged the business. 

“We’ve never had any kind of attempt at arson or anything like that happen to us,” said Joel Hofmann, who has owned the business for more than 20 years. 

“They’re going after not only mine and my wife’s livelihood, but all of our employees’ livelihoods, all of the regulars that count on this place as a place to socialize, and then all the musicians that come here making money every month playing music,” he continued. “It’s just a very, very sad thing to have to be stressed about and worry about constantly. I really haven’t slept much since this happened.”

Hofmann said the security video appeared to show a man pouring a fluid on the wall before setting it on fire. The time stamp on the video indicates it happened after 4 a.m. on Saturday. 

Riley’s Tavern has been a staple in Central Texas for decades. The building dates back to the 19th century. According to the Texas State Historical Association, it was the first business to obtain a license to serve alcohol after Prohibition was lifted in Texas in 1933. 

“The place survived all these years. And then I took over in 2004 and added a room with a stage in the back. We have live music five nights a week,” Hofmann said. “This was a very lucky thing to happen – [a fire] to happen and not do any serious damage.”

Hofmann told KXAN that guests were staying in AirBnbs on the property when the fire started.

“If this had been a successful attempt, there are families sleeping in both of our vacation rentals here. That’s scary to me,” he said.

Hofmann said the Comal County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating. KXAN reached out to the office but has not heard back yet. If anyone has any information, Hofmann said they should contact the office.