Circle R Ranch
50-Year Denton County Heritage Business
You can’t spend much time in Denton County without hearing about or visiting Circle R Ranch. Whether enjoying a family celebration or corporate event, thousands of people from all parts of the Metroplex have stepped into a bit of western hospitality at the ranch over the past 50 years. Founded in 1973 by Alan Powdermaker, Circle R Ranch has been so iconic to the area that it was recently named a Denton County Heritage Business. Heritage Businesses are celebrated for being in operation for over 50 years and are acknowledged in Denton County Commissioners Court.
“It is always nice to be recognized,” said owner Jason Roberts. “There are so many people who have led and worked for our organization that have played a huge role in our lasting legacy.”
Roberts and his wife Hillary have a long history with the ranch, starting in 1997 when they began working for Steve and Wendy Foster, who were managing partners at that time. In 2014, the Roberts began their own operating company, Genuine Texas Hospitality. Then the couple bought the land from the Powdermaker family in 2017, taking complete ownership of Circle R Ranch. The ranch truly is a labor of love and all about family.
“It is definitely a family affair,” said Roberts. “My brother Casey Roberts handles our operations team, my sister-in-law Lindsay Nelson handles our Finances and HR, and my niece also works many different events. I’m hoping that our children will start to carry on the tradition soon.”
Circle R Ranch specializes in private events, with corporate functions leading the way. “Many companies come out for company picnics, client appreciation events, and team building,” Roberts said. “We also host many school banquets and events. It is important for us to give back to our community.”
When people leave after an event, it is important to the staff that they have enjoyed their time. “We always hope people walk away loving our property, service, and product,” Roberts said. “We take a lot of pride in our service and ability to adapt to our clients’ wants and needs.”
When people schedule an event at Circle R Ranch, the Roberts and their team offer a complete experience with services not everyone knows they have. “We offer full turnkey private events,” Roberts said. “We cook all of our own BBQ on-site. We have an awesome chef, Matt Bodnar, and kitchen team that still use many of our original recipes. Our BBQ is so good that many people ask where it’s catered from. When we tell them we do it in-house, they’re sometimes shocked.”
Multiple facilities on the ranch grounds can help people tailor events to fit their needs. “Our Main Pavilion is 30,000 square feet and our Chisholm Ranch House is 5,000 square feet,” Roberts said. “We can host anywhere from ten to 2,500 people.”
As events unfold across the 60-acre property, guests can take advantage of a myriad of activities from pony rides and face painting to wagon rides and a 5,000 square-foot cattle pen maze. Further customizations are possible as the list of additional menu upgrades, rides, and fun game options is nearly endless.
When it comes to customer satisfaction, Roberts gives credit where credit is due, citing his management team and staff as the reason. “We do almost 70% repeat business and that is a testament to our team professionalism and drive to provide Genuine Texas Hospitality,” he said.
Roberts can recall many events that have occurred over the past 50 years at Circle R Ranch, adding to their iconic status. “Some memorable events we have hosted are the Texas Rangers World Series party, the Chick-Fil-A Founding Family event, and the Louis Vuitton Global Sales Convention. Marine One has landed here, and at one time we held the Guinness Book of World Records record for the Largest Mentos Eruption.”
While the ranch has seen Flower Mound grow and expand over time, Roberts and his team are looking ahead to the next 50 years with optimism. “We wish we could look into the crystal ball,” he said. “We have been here for 50 years, and have seen many changes. We know that change is inevitable, and we hope we can continue as long as we can.”
Circle R Ranch, a Denton County Heritage Business, is located at 5901 Cross Timbers Road in Flower Mound.