Dylan Busby

dylan@silsbee-bee.com

The Silsbee Bee

 

SILSBEE – A new locally owned restaurant is serving up made-from-scratch meals with a side of military history and community roots. Captain Bob’s Galley, located at 12309 FM 92, has opened its doors with a focus on hearty breakfast and lunch offerings, filling what Bob saw as a gap in the area’s dining options.

Owner Robert Noack, a Port Arthur native, brings a lifetime of unique experiences to the venture. A Vietnam veteran who served from 1968 to 1970, Noack sailed with the Merchant Marine before eventually becoming a ship captain. Today, he is also a local ranch owner, but his passion for cooking stretches back to childhood.

Over the years, Noack has collected more than 300 cookbooks and honed his culinary skills while hosting dinner parties alongside his wife, a restaurant executive. According to Noack, guests consistently favored his dishes, encouragement that stayed with him long after the gatherings ended.

“I wanted a good place to eat,” Noack said of the motivation behind opening the restaurant.

Helping bring that vision to life is General Manager James Berry, a Silsbee native whose own background reflects decades of service and kitchen experience. Berry served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1979 to 1984, including time in Beirut, before transitioning into the restaurant industry where he managed Pizza Hut locations and operated a catering business.

Berry’s commitment to cooking from scratch quickly impressed Noack, particularly his étouffée, a dish that helped cement the partnership.

Captain Bob’s Galley currently focuses on breakfast and lunch, offering generous portions and homestyle flavors. Berry noted that the community lacked dedicated breakfast options, and the restaurant aims to meet that need, even boasting waffles thicker than those found at national chains.

“The Lord worked his miracles,” Berry said of the opportunity to open the restaurant.

The building previously housed Country Skillet, but the new ownership has given the space fresh energy. With a staff of five and a family-run atmosphere, Captain Bob’s Galley emphasizes friendly service alongside its comfort-driven menu.

As the restaurant settles into the community, Noack and Berry hope their blend of experience, faith and hospitality will create a welcoming place where residents can gather for quality meals, and perhaps discover their new favorite local spot.