Corpus Christi – When it comes to fun and sun in the Lone Star State, Corpus Christi is a popular destination for Texans. Seeing spots like the U.S.S. Lexington, the Texas State Aquarium, or taking in a turtle release can really work up an appetite. Fortunately, you’ll find all sorts of seafood spots in the Sparkling City by the Sea, and Snoopy’s Pier is a special one.
Jeff Rosenhoover is the general manager at Snoopy’s, and he’s part of group that purchased the place for its original owner Ernie Butler, who opened Snoopy’s in 1980 with his wife Corliss. “Well, Ernie Butler was a fisherman, and then he decided to buy this little piece of property here and made a little burger restaurant and a bait stand,” said Rosenhoover. “And then I guess he was pretty successful with it because then he just started expanding and expanding until, I mean, Ernie basically built everything you see.”
Everything you see at Snoopy’s includes the restaurant itself, the pier, the outdoor bar, the fish and shrimp breading house and Scoopy’s ice cream. Rosenhoover was able to spend some time with Ernie and his crew when he bought the place to get an idea of how to run the joint. “When we bought it, they stayed on and I worked with them for about a month,” said Rosenhoover. “They showed me everything about this business, the ins and outs, and still to this day, like I said, I can call Corliss, I can call Ernie, and ask them anything. They’re just truly remarkable people.”
The Corpus Christi locals were concerned when Snoopy’s changed ownership, and they voiced their concerns about not wanting anything to change at their favorite spot. Rosenhoover had no problem granting the loyal Snoopy’s regulars’ wish. “We kept with the same recipes, the same procedures, but we have added things to the menu,” said Rosenhoover. “We’ve added a sauteed redfish dish. I’ve added a crab cake salad. We’ve added some things, but the staple things, we just don’t even touch.”
The other staple at Snoopy’s in the sunset. Every night the sun slowly lowers over the Laguna Madre making for one incredible view. “I’ve got some pictures of some sunsets that’ll just blow your mind,” said Rosenhoover. “I lived in Hawaii where there were some pretty good sunsets, but I’ve seen some here that were just amazing.”
The menu at Snoopy’s Pier offers a variety of fried and broiled seafood as well as sandwiches and salads. One of the featured offerings is the Chatter Jack Shrimp, which is one of the additions that have been made under new ownership. Head chef Richard Gonzalez cooks the Gulf brown shrimp in a flaming wok with butter, garlic, and the special tiger sauce. “It’s kind of sweet and sour,” said Gonzalez. “Really good.”
Snoopy’s specialty is fried seafood, and it’s loved by many for good reason. The fried fish is a beer-battered mahi. “It’s one of the higher end fishes,” said Gonzalez. “But once again, this is what makes Snoopy’s unique. The presentation of the food and the quality, they spare no expense.”
The fish comes out dense and tender, with a light but crispy coating of batter. The Gulf brown shrimp get the same treatment, and the combo with fries keep the restaurant busy every weekend. “It is very insane,” said Gonzalez. “We probably go through about 200 pounds of Mahi, yeah, easily on a Saturday night.”
Overall, Jeff Rosenhoover has been able to maintain, and perhaps even improve upon the local gem that Ernie Butler created so many years ago, and he recognizes that he has an important job in keeping Snoopy’s Pier thriving. “It’s an honor,” said Rosenhoover. “It’s a privilege. It makes you proud every day.”