Austin Faces Shift in Culinary Landscape with Multiple Restaurant and Cafe Closures in October 2024

Austin’s Restaurant and Cafe Closures Roundup for October 2024

Austin is known for its vibrant food scene, but this month has seen several notable restaurant and cafe closures across the city. Here’s a rundown of the places that have shut their doors and the reasons behind their closures.

Baby A’s on Barton Springs

One of the more surprising closures came from Baby A’s, a popular Tex-Mex mini-chain, which closed its Barton Springs location in late October. The decision surprised many locals as it has been a staple since 1981. While a representative for the company did not cite a specific reason for the closure, reports indicate that alcohol sales, including their famous Purple Rita, have seen a decrease in recent years. Fortunately, Baby A’s still operates two other locations in East Riverside and the Arboretum.

Wu Chow on North Lamar

Modern Chinese restaurant Wu Chow also closed its second location on North Lamar on October 11. The closure seems to be a result of a recent acquisition of its parent company, Chameleon Hospitality, by a private equity-run restaurant group. This shift means that Stuart Thomajan, Chameleon’s founding partner, will be leaving the company. Although Wu Chow’s original location and another restaurant, Swift’s Attic, will stay open, the future of this specific space is uncertain as the new owners intend to transform it into a new dining concept.

Beloved Coffee Shop on South Lamar

Longtime Austin coffee shop, known for its cozy atmosphere, has closed its flagship location on South Lamar. Co-owners Andy Wigginton and Nick Krupa decided not to renew their lease due to slow business over the summer and potential rent hikes related to ongoing construction for the South Lamar Corridor Project. However, the cafe’s downtown location in the 100 Congress Avenue building will continue to operate as well as their coffee roasting business, Superthing Coffee.

Revival Coffee Shutters Again

In East Austin, the vibrant pink coffee shop Revival closed its doors on October 27. The closure was announced through an Instagram post from its parent company, Gabriela’s Group, citing issues with securing a long-term lease renewal. This is not the first closure for Revival; it originally opened in 2018 but had to shut down in 2020 due to slow business. It was reopened shortly after by Gabriela Bucio, who took over the establishment. The café’s brief history reflects the challenges of maintaining a business in a competitive market.

Austin Eastciders Transition

Another noticeable closure is from the local cidery Austin Eastciders, which has shut its last public tasting room in mid-October. According to a company representative, this closure will enable them to concentrate more on cider production. The site will be transformed into a new all-day cafe and bar called Stargazer, operated by the co-owners of the nearby Springdale Station venue. Austin Eastciders opened its taproom in 2017 and has undergone changes since merging with Michigan-based Blake’s Hard Cider in late 2023.

As Austin continues to grow and evolve, changes in the food and beverage landscape are inevitable. While the local community may feel the loss of these establishments, it also welcomes new opportunities for different dining experiences. If you notice any other closures or changes in the local food scene, feel free to report it.