Sam Riggs John T. Floores Country Store - Indoor Helotes

The John T. Floore Country Store (colloquially known as Floore’s Country Store) is a music venue and dance hall in Helotes, Texas. The venue is notable for its association with several artists and Texas Country. It is especially well-known for its association with the popular musician Willie Nelson. He performed at the store regularly during his early career. The location was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006, indicating the significance of the John T. Floore Country Store. The venue has been nominated for “Nightclub of the Year” in 2006 and 2013 by the Academy of Country Music.

Floore’s John T. Floore Country Store was opened for the public in 1942 by a former manager of the Majestic Theatre in nearby San Antonio, John T. Floore. Initially, it opened as a grocery store to cater to travelers between neighboring Bandera and San Antonio. Floor saw an opportunity, and he started using the place as a new music venue. The store soon became well-established and attracted notable country music stars such as Ernest Tubb, Johnny Cash, Bob Wills, and Ray Price.

Floore’s Country Store takes pride in its association with Willie Nelson. The venue is claimed to be his musical birthplace. Nelson began his relationship with Floor after returning to Texas as he went through several difficulties establishing his music career in Nashville. The importance of this relationship resulted in a close association of Floor with Nelson and his career.