Maclane Masraff is a 16 year old Sophomore at Memorial High School. She plays Varsity Field Hockey and is on the JV Softball team at MHS. She is a proud Mustang! When she’s not in school or busy with her extracurriculars you can find her at her family’s own restaurant named specially after her, Maclane’s Café. We wondered what it would be like to grow up in the Memorial community restaurant business. Here’s what Maclane had to say about it!
SWOON: Maclane- What did you think when your dad (Russell Masraff of Masraffs and The Wynden) said he was going to open a Café and name it after you?
I was very excited to have a great place for me and my friends to hang out! I thought it was a fun idea and I felt honored. My two little brothers were not as happy with the idea! HA! They think they should get a restaurant name too, but I am the first born. My dad promised them both a “menu item”: The CW BBQ Bacon Burger and Carter’s St. Louis Ribs. They should be happy with that!
SWOON: Did you have any decisions in planning the restaurant?
Yes I did. My dad wanted me to be a big part of the planning process. I went to the architect meetings with him and helped pick out the flooring, wall décor, the lighting and tables. When the layout was almost done I went with him to set up everything and help choose spots to put the tables and chairs. We wanted to create a neighborhood feel and we succeeded. I love the outcome!!!
SWOON: How do you describe the restaurant?
It’s a casual, fun, family restaurant with many choices of delicious food. The food ranges from salads, burgers, sandwiches, fried chicken, cookies, shakes and much more; lot’s of variety for everyone! There are a lot of times me and some friends will bring our backpacks and will study, especially around finals time. There are also big screen TV’s throughout so if a game is on we can watch that as well.
SWOON: To be honest, my daughter Dylan who’s 14- LOVES the Café- what do you think people love so much about it?
I think people love the idea of a family restaurant with great food that is owned by a local family. My Dad and his family grew up here in Memorial. Like many from Memorial, my dad came back to work and live in the community. Every time I am there I see lots of families visiting with other families from the same neighborhoods which tells me that people have a sense of family and community with this restaurant (and Masraff’s too). I believe this adds a comfort level that the average restaurant does not have! It really is a great place to hang out with your friends and family.
SWOON: Will people ever see you working at MacLane’s Café? If so, what is your favorite job at the restaurant?
Yes. I worked there this past summer and will next summer as well. My favorite job is to work as the cashier and talk to the guests. It’s fun to introduce myself and interact with people. My little brother Carter, who is 11, also worked there as a busser and food runner. He loves to bus the tables and talk to the guests and the guests seem to love watching him hard at work.
SWOON: What is your MUST-HAVE menu option at Maclane’s?
I have many favorites!! I love the Mac n Cheese, the Caesar Salad and the CW BBQ Bacon Burger. For dessert, I always order at least 3 of the chocolate chip cookies or a chocolate milk shake. . . Yum! The 60/40 Burger is so good too as it has BACON inside the burger. The onion rings are super good as well!
SWOON: Where is your favorite hang-out spot around Houston when you are not eating at your restaurant!
I love hanging out with my friends. We play sports, watch movies, go to each other’s houses but we seem to always end up at Whataburger!!! We would end up at Maclane’s Café, but it closes at 9pm.
See the whole story and more in our March Issue. Click there to read now.
