Larry Perdido and Chuck Smith, the owners of Moonshine Grill, say a new bar or restaurant always begins with a story.

The narrative can be rooted in the life experiences of the owners or be drawn from their cultural heritage, but whatever it is, Perdido said these stories create the feel in their spaces.

In the nearly 25 years they have been in business together, Perdido and Smith have penned the tales of popular concepts throughout central Texas, including the Hopdoddy Burger Bar franchise.