A Former Burger King Reinvented as Central Austin Wine Bar

For residents of Austin, Texas, an old Burger King venue is about to take on a distinctive new character. The Phoenix-based restaurant group, Upward Projects, is set to transform the no-longer-operational fast-food spot into a classy wine bar and café, breathing new life into its worn-out fast-food bones.

The Rebirth of a Burger King Structure

The Burger King branch, located at the West 35th and Jefferson Streets intersection, ceased operations in 2020. First opened in the 1970s, the establishment lay against the bustling commercial corridor of West 35th Street. Now, Upward Projects has seen the potential of the 0.16-acre site for an entirely fresh endeavor – metamorphosing it into a part of the group’s entrancing Postino wine bar brand.

Postino locations are renowned for their impressive selection of approachable wines, diverse bruschetta and charcuterie boards, and appetizing brunch menu. The brand currently operates in five states, including Texas, where it boasts eight locations, with another one planned for South Lamar last year.

Postino’s Transformation Blueprint

Postino aims to reinvent the old burger joint into a seemingly completely new 3,950-square-foot Postino wine bar and cafe. The planned redesign is falling into the capable hands of the local studio, Sixthriver Architects. The remodeling plans give hints about Postino’s innovative approach to overcoming the challenging atmosphere of a former fast-food restaurant. The proposed plan includes introducing LED filament bulbs for the warm 2700 Kelvin look, effectively replacing the harsh glow of the fluorescent lights. Besides, the conversion of the spacious parking lot into an elegant patio seating area would definitely be a sight to behold.

Preserving History

One intriguing aspect about Postino’s is their distinctive knack for restoring and repurposing old, architecturally interesting buildings. Their name, ‘Postino,’ meaning postman in Italian, originated from the brand’s first location, which was a converted Phoenix post office. Considering this, the repurposing of the old and tired Burger King structure fits right into their brand narrative.

Reaction from the Local Community

Despite the innovative repurposing idea for the building, the local Bryker Woods Neighborhood Association expressed concern back in 2021. The association had resisted a proposed plan to convert the site to a four-story office and retail project, contending it would conflict too drastically with the neighborhood character and drive up traffic. Whether these concerns carry over to Postino’s wine bar project remains uncertain, but it’s clear that the new project’s success will depend heavily on its integration into the surrounding community.

The transformation of the former Burger King is an assertive step towards urban development, upholding culture, fostering economic growth, and offering new gastronomical experiences to Austin residents. The story exudes the potent influence that innovative ideas can exert on our built environments and points to future building transformations that might shape our cityscapes.