Issue 4 Newsletter: Darn Good Places Summary
Shug’s Bagels sits, unopened, at the intersection of Lamar Blvd. and Parkway. Monday, March 23, 2026. BRIAN DIGGS FOR AUSTIN CURRENT
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What is up with the restaurant industry in Austin?
Over the past couple weeks, two major news articles and a Panel titled "Beyond the Menu: The Business of Restaurants" pointed out some of regulatory, city process and economic challenges facing small businesses especially restaurants.
I am sharing a recap of the Austin Current article written by Sam Stark titled "Austin’s permitting hurdles may be locking small businesses out" and a panel hosted by Austin Business Journal reporter Sahar Chmais titled "Beyond the Menu: The Business of Restaurants"
I wasn't able to attend Sahar's event but found some great recaps around Linkedin and has a big focus of mine is working with restaurant and retail (oftentimes food oriented small businesses) in my job as a commercial real estate Broker, I wanted to share the knowledge that I gathered.
Read more: www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-up-restaurant-industry-austin-ryan-saunders-auwzc
City of Austin Approves $5 million for Route 2 bus improvements:
Red River Economic Impact Report
redriverculturaldistrict.org/economic-impact-report/
Describes amongst other details:
Over the past 12 months alone, this District has generated:
$529M+ in local economic activity
3,700+ jobs supported
$174M+ in local wages
$23M+ in tax revenue
Austin Under 40 Gala-May 9
Here is a sample:
For a more comprehensive list: www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7434994960975888384
People and Operations
Camila Narino is COO of Furnished Finder, where she helped scale the company from an early-stage startup to a national marketplace supporting over 240,000 property owners. As the first operations hire, she built core teams and leads 200+ employees, championing women-led operations and economic mobility.
Food, Events, and Hospitality
Jhonatan Aldama, CPA is the founder of Kesos Tacos, an Austin-based restaurant brand built on bold Mexican flavors, queso-forward tacos, and hospitality-first values. An immigrant entrepreneur and new father, he’s focused on building businesses that create opportunity and community impact.
Upcoming Commission and Committee Meetings:
Planning Commission: April 28
www.austintexas.gov/boards-commissions/board/planning-commission
Zoning and Platting: April 21
www.austintexas.gov/boards-commissions/board/zoning-and-platting-commission
Design Commission: April 27
www.austintexas.gov/boards-commissions/board/design-commission
