Bobcat Nation Owner Serves San Marcos Community

By Jericka King
Community Relations Assistant

“I hope that people who come to Bobcat (Nation) and meet me can walk away and honestly say that I am still trying to live a life of service–that I did my best to give them a good experience. To me, that would be success.” -Bill Luna

Bill Luna, owner of Bobcat Nation Sports Bar and Grill, is a Texas State University alumnus and military veteran. Luna continues to serve the San Marcos community through his business. It has evolved into a safe environment that fosters community for the people who walk through the door.

As a young veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, Luna found Texas State University to be full of people who genuinely wanted to help him adjust to student and civilian life. Luna has a soft spot for soldiers, sailors, airmen and teachers.

“These people walk on water in my eyes,” Luna said.

His business offers veterans specials on drinks and food. More than that, he said, “we offer them safety, gratitude and the love of extended family.”

When asked to give advice to aspiring business owners, he suggested, “to be prepared to take serious risks and to live with a level of uncertainty that comes within the fabric of owning a business.”

Even in times when Luna questions becoming an entrepreneur, he heeds the advice that was given to him.

“Be cautious as you plan, be thorough when choosing a direction and be tough as nails and consistent in the execution of your vision,” said Luna.

The Bobcat Nation owner’s passion for music was passed down from his father and grandfather.

“My dad and I used to listen to old music on his vinyl records,” Luna said. His father taught him about Elvis, The Beatles, Rodney Crowell, George Strait, and Led Zeppelin among many others. “My old man was really just doing something he loved to relax after a hard day at work, but he gave me a real gift.”

According to Luna his grandfather was a guitarist and an “old school crooner” who put on concerts at a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp in Arizona as part of Roosevelt’s New Deal before WWII.

“He was just a real softy, but you couldn’t tell until he played music. It was impossible not to love him.” Luna said. Even after several years of musical experience, Luna said, “I still can’t sing worth a damn. I try not to drink at Bobcat, but if you ever catch me singing there, you can bet I have had one or two.”

Bobcat Nation is located on the corner of LBJ and Sessom Road, just a few doors down from Mochas and Javas. The owner credits the uniqueness of Bobcat Nation to the “awesome people who choose to be with us.” A big part of Bill Luna’s story revolves around service to others.

Luna said, “to live a life in service of others as an occupation is difficult, but it brings the greatest rewards that can be obtained in life. To know that I have served is rewarding, but to know that I can help others who are trying to serve is humbling.”

Offering his final words of advice, Luna adds, “never forget to love people. Owning a business means that you will depend on people at just about every level.”