The United Family Goes Into the Restaurant Biz

While the pandemic has driven many in the restaurant business to seek new opportunities in grocery, the United Family is bucking the trend, joining with Lubbock Entertainment Performing Arts Association to create an “experience where fine dining and world-class performing arts will meet,” the company said. The Lubbock, Texas-based United Family will be responsible for the fine-dining Rave On restaurant, as well as all concessions and banquet services inside Buddy Holly Hall, a $153 million privately funded entertainment and education venue opening in Lubbock this month.

Robert Taylor, CEO of the United Family, who recently announced he will step down from this role to become EVP, senior adviser, leading the United Food and Beverage Services and the new Buddy Holly Hall venture, said the company has launched a national search to “secure phenomenal talent” to work on this project.

“We are so excited to finally share the Rave On experience with the rest of Lubbock,” said Taylor in a statement. “The facilities in this building are world class and it is just the cherry on top for us to be able to put together this restaurant in this facility. We know it is something people are going to rave about.”

Thomas Wicinski, head of food and beverage for the United Family, is spearheading the project. “This incredible performing arts center requires food to match," said Wicinski, whose credentials include a degree in culinary arts and hospitality business management, a Certified Executive Chef by the American Culinary Foundation and a wine designation from the Culinary Institute of America.

“At Rave On we hope to offer the people of West Texas a menu full of options that will help them explore new flavors while also keeping some that West Texas flair,” he continued. “It is our goal to create a memorable experience for every guest who walks through our doors.”

Named after the song "Rave On," written by Sonny West and made popular by Buddy Holly in 1958, the restaurant is located at 1300 Mac Davis Lane inside Buddy Holly Hall, with its entrance on the east side of the building. Restaurant hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday through Saturday. Sunday hours are dependent on performance schedules.

A self-distributing company with headquarters and distribution centers in Lubbock, The United Family currently operates 95 stores under five banners—United Supermarkets, Market Street, Amigos, Albertsons Market and United Express—along with ancillary operations R.C. Taylor, Praters and Llano Logistics. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Albertsons LLC.