The Legacy of Rozine Tilicek

The Roaring 20s was a time of innovation, excitement, and prosperity. Radio broadcasting was prominent, automobiles became more widespread, motion pictures were on the rise, and the economy was booming. When you think of this decade, you most likely think of big cities and industrialism. However, as long journeys were becoming more efficient and necessary, travelers had to find somewhere to stop, recharge, and refuel. One of those was Frank’s: a homestyle cafe in the friendly town of Schulenburg, Texas. Frank’s became very popular quickly, and at the heart of this operation was a woman named Rozine Tilicek.

Rozine Tilicek, originally Rozine Pennington, was born in Sourlake, Texas, in 1910 and died in 2001 at 91 years old. Rozine was the heartbeat of Frank’s Restaurant and the center of its success. When she was a senior in high school, her mother became ill and passed away, forcing Rozine to join the workforce earlier than she expected. Because of this, she found a job as the switchboard operator at the telephone exchange in Schulenburg. Nearby on Lyons Avenue, a man named Frank Tilicek ran a cafe named the Busy Bee, a precursor to Frank’s. Since she could not leave her job for lunch, Frank would often bring Rozine a hamburger. This act of kindness, and maybe even flirtation, led to the two of them getting to know each other and fall in love, and they married in 1928. A year later, they had a son, Frank Jr. Even though their new parenthood was a challenge, the couple still dreamed of owning a restaurant, and their dream would soon become a reality with the founding of Frank’s Place.

The original location of Frank’s was a little metal building on the west part of Main Street. With just four tables and eight counter stools, it was a spot where travelers could enjoy cozy conversation and even better food. In the early days of the restaurant, it was open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year. During these nonstop hours, Rozine worked during the day and Frank worked throughout the night. Up until 1933, this small, but effective location served them well. In 1934, they moved their restaurant to a vacant grocery store near the intersection of Hwy. 77 and Hwy 90. Even in the new location, Frank’s still offered the same friendly atmosphere, excellent service, and delicious food. For the next several years, this location would be the best stop for weary travelers to find freshly brewed coffee and delicious homestyle meals.

In 1941, Frank unexpectedly passed away, and the business fell fully in Rozine’s hands. Despite the challenge, Rozine never backed down. With the help of her 12-year-old son, Frank Jr., and a dedicated team of employees, she continued to build Frank’s Place into a popular and beloved restaurant. The restaurant became so popular that even presidents, like Franklin Roosevelt, actors, like Joan Crawford, and astronauts, like Alan Shepherd, enjoyed a meal there. As time passed, Interstate 10 grew into a major travel route, and the location on Highway 90 was becoming outdated. In 1970, Rozine and her family decided to relocate the restaurant near I-10, ensuring that it would be one of the first places travelers saw when passing through Schulenburg. This move marked a new chapter for Frank’s, which continued to thrive until it closed in 2017.

Thanks to Rozine, Frank’s Restaurant stayed open for 88 successful years. During this time, Frank’s was a one-of-a-kind restaurant best known for the gift shop Rozine created, its pies, hamburgers, and delicious meals always made from scratch. Her determination, wit, bright smile, and innovative mind were the secret to the restaurant’s widespread success. Without her, Frank’s would have never reached the heights it did, touching the lives of so many, including mine. Even though Frank’s is no longer in business, Rozine’s hard work and legacy will never be forgotten.