Khalil Younes - has been an Italian restaurant owner and chef for over 18 years, with Cafe di Roma and Pavarotti in Austin, prior to moving to Bastrop in 2003.  A long-time favorite to many Austin customers, many of them still travel out to Bastrop for his wonderful food.  Mama Mia Italian Restaurant in Bastrop was awarded numerous awards from 2002 - 2008, in the Best of Bastrop County Awards - most recently - #1 Italian Restaurant in 2007.  And under the new merger of Cedar's Mediterranean Grill, voted as #1 Italian Restaurant in Bastrop County for 2008.

Raymond Keyrouz - loved to cook for his family and friends, and with a little coaxing from his friends, opened Daddy's Grille.  Well known in the Bastrop community, his restaurant quickly became a favorite, serving a blend of traditional Texas fare and Old World Mediterranean.  Daddy's Grille has been awarded numerous awards in the Best of Bastrop County Awards since opening, including Best All Around Restaurant.