Harry Burmeister made two notable accomplishments during his undergraduate years at Baylor, establishing his iconic legacy in the Baylor story. One was being a founding member of the secret society dedicated to pranks and mischief, which lives on today: the NoZe Brothers. The second was establishing a small restaurant that would soon become a Baylor classic — Harry B’s, now known as George’s.
Read more: The NoZe Brothers
After graduating from Baylor, Burmeister opened Harry B’s in 1930 at 1925 Speight Ave. To start, the restaurant had only a small kitchen and bar seating. But then, in 1966, a Mr. George Betros bought it and renamed it George’s Bar. He expanded the menu, bringing in classic Southern dishes like Chicken Fried Steak (which remains a classic on the George’s menu today).
The bar was sold again in 1993, this time to Sammy Citrano, David Tinsley, and Glen Screws. Just two years later, Citrano bought out his other two partners and took full control of the bar.
Citrano’s vision was to turn George’s into the ultimate sports bar — a place that would be the perfect hangout spot for Baylor students and Baylor sports fans. He later added a catering business that became so popular, it was at one point recognized by President George W. Bush. In 2000, Citrano developed the building across the street into a banquet hall.
George’s, still located on Speight, continues to be a popular spot for the Baylor Family. Harry B could have had no way of knowing how both his restaurant and secret society would become deeply ingrained in Baylor’s legacy.
