La Vernia’s Den About Us
Family. Hard Work. Integrity.
These values are the foundation upon which the McBee family is building a legacy—not only for themselves but for
the La Vernia community.
As lifelong residents of La Vernia, the McBees have deep roots here, and their dedication is evident in every
detail of La Vernia’s Den, a space they created to foster connection, community, and family tradition.
For us, “family” extends beyond kin. Our team has grown by over 60 people, each of whom contributes to making La
Vernia’s Den what it is today. These aren’t just employees—they’re our partners, friends, and neighbors, sharing
our commitment to hard work, growth, and leadership. Since 2008, we’ve welcomed many team members, watching some
grow from students to business owners and others into skilled tradesmen and professionals. Our core team plays an
invaluable role in training and mentoring, ensuring knowledge is passed down through generations. Our philosophy,
“A leader’s job is to help others be better, not to be their boss,” has guided us through every chapter.
La Vernia’s Den itself holds special meaning. Originally the site of a historic stone house, the property has been
transformed into a community gathering place while retaining a connection to its past. On Thanksgiving in 2011,
the McBees envisioned this spot as a venue to create lasting memories. After a New Year’s Eve celebration in
2014—with friends, family, BBQ, music, and fireworks—the McBees knew this place was destined to bring people
together. When La Vernia’s Den officially opened in January 2016, it represented years of planning, design, and
hard work.
Incorporating historical elements was important to us. We preserved original stones from the old house, used for
the outdoor fireplace, and repurposed artifacts from our family farm. Features like the box-spring chandelier,
wagon-wheel lighting, and fencing from San Antonio’s Pearl Brewery give La Vernia’s Den a rustic charm and a sense
of recycled history.
Despite challenges, including staffing shortages and the impact of COVID-19, we’ve remained committed to our
community. La Vernia’s Den has become a beloved local hangout, offering a family-friendly atmosphere complete with
a 5,000-square-foot fenced play area, outdoor TVs, and live entertainment for all ages.
Our family is dedicated to supporting our community, contributing to local organizations like the La Vernia Junior
Livestock Show, LV Alumni, LV Education Foundation, LV Youth Sports, and various church groups, among others. Our
commitment goes beyond La Vernia itself, as we actively participate in numerous events across Wilson and Guadalupe
counties—whether through sponsorships, volunteering, or direct involvement.
“We have both adopted the idea that giving as much as we can has rewarded us many times over in many ways,” one of
the owners explained in an interview shortly after La Vernia’s Den opened. “To be greedy or selfish creates
heartaches and headaches. Do what’s right for others before yourself and no one can ever point a finger at you
that you are unworthy of blessings or happiness.”
