South Central Austin Edition | February 2023

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

MOPAC

Hyatt Centric hotel

Ember Kitchen and Subterra Agave Bar

COURTESY JANE YUN

COURTESY EMBER KITCHEN AND SUBTERRA AGAVE BAR

dog day care and a full-service groom- ing spa. Barkin Creek was co-founded by Flint Beamon and Jeff Springer. www.barkincreek.com 4 The Hyatt Centric Congress Av- enue Austin hotel and its ground- floor restaurant Luminaire opened at 721 Congress Ave., Austin, on Feb. 1. The hotel has 246 guest rooms, five suites, and a floor dedicated to meeting and event space. The restaurant—led by Steve McHugh, a six-time James Beard Foundation finalist—offers seasonal Texas fare and charcuterie. The hotel also features an outdoor terrace bar called Las Bis on the eighth floor. www.hyatt.com, www.luminairerestaurant.com 5 A new multilevel concept called Ember Kitchen and Subterra Agave Bar opened in the Seaholm District in early February. Ember Kitchen’s menu offers Latin fare with dishes such as a charcoal seafood tower, dry-aged prime ribeye, Texas wagyu skirt steak and more. The menu was created by María Mercedes Grubb—a native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and a James Beard Award-nominated chef—and drinks at the Subterra Agave Bar are by mixologist Chris San Andres. Ember Kitchen & Subterra Agave Bar is located at 800 W. Cesar Chavez St., Ste. PP110, Austin. www.emberatx.com 6 Empower Therapy ATX , a private psychotherapy clinic, opened Jan. 1. The clinic, owned by Austin native and licensed phycologist Lauren David, spe- cializes in eating disorders, sex therapy and couples therapy. Empower Therapy ATX is located at 3001 N. Lamar Blvd.,

Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center

RENDERING COURTESY CITY OF AUSTIN

EXPANSIONS 7 Emma S. Barrientos Mexican Amer- ican Cultural Center entered the second phase of expansion at 600 River St., Austin. Construction is slated to begin in the spring and be completed in winter 2024. A grand opening is expected to be held in early 2025. The center is under- going expansions to create more space for community programs and better connect the center to nearby trails. www.austintexas.gov ANNIVERSARIES 8 The University of Texas is celebrating its 140th anniversary in 2023. The univer- sity opened in 1883 in one building with eight professors and 221 students. Today, UT, led by President Jay Hartzell, has over 170 fields of study for bachelor’s degrees, 116 master’s degree programs and 78 doc- toral programs. UT is located at 110 Inner Campus Drive, Austin. www.utexas.edu

RIVER ST.

DOWNTOWN/ WEST CAMPUS NOW OPEN

2 In February, Studio Three —a boutique fitness center—opened its first Texas location at the bottom floor of Thompson Austin at 501 Brazos St., Austin. Studio Three combines interval training, yoga and cycling classes. The Austin location, which is led by four local female fitness experts, also has a grab-and-go cafe for members to order before class and pick up afterward. www.studiothree.com 3 Barkin’ Creek Dog Kitchen & Bath opened its fourth location at The Quincy, 91 Red River St., Ste. 150, Austin, on Jan. 23. Barkin’ Creek sells healthy dog food and treats, grooming products, toys, and outdoor and travel accessories. The new downtown location also offers small-

1 A new Legislature-themed cof- fee shop called Capitol Cafè opened at 1001 Congress Ave., Ste. 180, Aus- tin, on Feb. 1. The cafe, located a block away from the Capitol building, serves coffee, pastries, sandwiches, beer, wine and mimosas. It is led by general manager Brianna Hubery and her fa- ther, state Rep. Dan Huberty. It was previously a Starbucks. 512-503-1785. www.facebook.com/capitolcafeatx

Ste. 305, Austin. 512-253-1353. www.empowertherapyatx.com

MAY 5TH & 6TH at the Paramount

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