07/21/2026
We did it guys. We made Business of the week! Thank you to every one of our customers who continuously support us and been through all of the challenges and growing pains. Thank you for the patience and believing in the vision. To my employees, I couldn’t have done it without you guys. Thank you for putting up with me day in and day out, thank you for hanging in there when the nights get tough. This is only the beginning people. So much more to come. Let’s keep going.
Business of the week shoutout 📢
Let's start with a fun fact: Chris Manzanilla never set out to own a small-town bar. Coming from a corporate leadership background, he was simply another customer before purchasing The Lucky Penny, stopping in to play in the local APA pool league. The more time he spent there, the more he noticed the untapped potential the bar had. While many saw a struggling business that seemed destined to close its doors, Chris saw an opportunity to create something much bigger than a bar—a true gathering place for the Jarrell community.
Chris believes every town deserves a place where people can celebrate life's milestones, make new friends, share a laugh, and feel like they belong. Inspired by that vision, he purchased The Lucky Penny in November of last year with one simple goal: to build a place where everyone feels welcome.
Drawing on more than 15 years of leadership experience in the corporate world and his continued service in the United States Navy Reserve, Chris has built The Lucky Penny around the values of integrity, accountability, teamwork, and genuine hospitality. Every improvement—from the new kitchen and exceptional service to live entertainment, pool leagues, and community events—is driven by the belief that great businesses are built by bringing people together.
Just eight months later, The Lucky Penny continues to grow, but Chris's vision remains the same: to leave behind more than a successful business. He wants to create a place where generations of Jarrell residents can gather, celebrate, and create lasting memories. A place they'll always know as their hometown bar.
The Lucky Penny