Austin Witnesses Six Business Closures: Impacting Art, Coffee and Pickleball Communities

The past month has seen the closure of several businesses in the bustling city of Austin. Local establishments offering fun and enjoyment through art, coffee and pickleball were among those unable to continue operations. While some are closing their doors for good, others are relocating, promising their patrons an exciting comeback.

Epic Fun

The family-friendly entertainment hub Epic Fun, known for its laser tag, mini bowling, arcade, and axe throwing, announced its closure via social media on June 6th. The cause remains undisclosed as their representatives were unavailable to comment. The beloved center is expected to close its doors at the end of June, leaving its many patrons with heavy hearts.

Austin Pickle Ranch

Following the trend, the Austin Pickle Ranch, a highly frequented pickleball facility located on West Sixth Street, closed its doors early in June. This decision came after extensive negotiations failed to secure the necessary city zoning permissions for them to continue operating from their West Sixth location. However, the silver lining for pickleball enthusiasts is that the operations at the North Austin location will continue, and there are hopes for a reopening at West Sixth Street sometime in the future.

Sunroom

The women’s clothing and accessories shop Sunroom, nested within the South Congress Hotel, has also closed down. However, there is some good news for its customers. The store’s operations will continue online, while its Malibu, California outlet is being relocated and will remain open too.

1417 French Bistro

1417 French Bistro, a neighborhood restaurant in the Bouldin Creek area, shuttered its doors at the end of May, as announced via social media. The French cuisine hotspot, owned by Allison Welsh, was well-loved by locals for its variety of specialty dishes. Plans are underway to redevelop the restaurant’s site into an exciting new project called Bouldin Creek Lofts.

Cuvée Coffee

Cuvée Coffee in East Austin is another local favorite that has had to shut its doors due to a rent hike. The coffee shop and roaster, famous for its globally sourced coffee beans, will continue operations from a storefront in the downtown Rainey District. Cuvée’s impressive history that began in the late 1990s has left a significant imprint on Austin’s coffee culture.

Mi Casa Gallery

Following 30 years of business on South Congress Avenue, the art gallery and store Mi Casa Gallery closed down in April. The store, which sold Mexican and Southwest-inspired art, pottery, jewelry, and more, reopened as Camino in Johnson City at the beginning of June.

These closures have left a significant impact on Austin’s communities, affecting the regular routines of locals and tourists alike. It’s a bittersweet time as we bid adieu to these establishments, reminiscing all the joy and fun they brought to Austin. While there’s a sense of loss, we also look forward to welcoming new businesses and witnessing the evolution of the city’s vibrant economy.