After the Harvest

Austin grocery co-op Wheatsville announces closing date on Guadalupe

Wheatsville is leaving its longtime post on Guadalupe Street.

Photo courtesy of KVUE

Wheatsville Co-op has been winding down its 45-year-old Guadalupe Street store since it decided in 2024 not to resign the lease, which ends on December 31, 2026. But the company appears ready to duck out a bit early, telling shoppers its last day will be October 25.

In a newsletter to owners and members, Wheatsville explained the decision to close.

"Rising occupancy costs, declining sales, and uncertainty about our ability to operate through the anticipated construction along Guadalupe have made it extremely difficult to keep this store sustainable," the newsletter says. "Your board and management weighed every option, and we are grateful for the care and creativity so many people brought to that effort."

Loyal shoppers concerned about the future of Mangiasaurus, the Godzilla-like sculpture that lives on top of the Guadalupe store, can rest assured that they can see him again. The statue will move to the South Lamar location, where it'll be on display in the produce department. Mangiasaurus was made by local artist Dale Whistler in 1999 and was on top of the store since 2007.

The store is using Mangiasaurus' move as a symbol of the closure and new chapter at South Lamar. Wheatsville will use a crane to move the sculpture, and community members are invited to see it happen at 10 am on closing day.

An Instagram post about the closure promises sales to come in the final days. It also passes the torch to the South Lamar store.

"While Guad will be leaving us, our South Lamar location is still very much alive and will continue serving our community from here to infinity!" the post says.

wheatsville closings grocery

Barkin' in Buda

Giant wiener dog sculpture runs into Buda City Park

Photo courtesy of the Buda Economic Development Corporation

This 19-foot dachshund is Buda's newest VIP resident.

A very big, very good dog has moved into Buda City Park. The Buda Economic Development Corporation (Buda EDC) purchased the 19-foot wiener dog statue as a gift to the community to mark "25 years of growing the local economy," a press release says.

The gift also refers to the 30th anniversary of the Buda Wiener Dog Races, which started in 1997. The race, a fundraiser for the Buda Lions Club, earned the city the nickname "Wiener Dog Capital of Texas.” The next race is coming up in April of 2027.

The new dog statue is made of Cor-Ten steel that is already oxidizing into a rusty color befitting a dachshund. The release calls it "protective, rust-toned patina," that will continue to stand up to the Texas sun. In addition to being nearly 19 feet long, the sculpture is 10 feet tall and five feet wide, and it's made up of 400 parts.

Despite the intricacy, the happy dog has a relatively simple and smooth form, taking a step forward with his cartoonish ears being blown back. Its streamlined edges make it look modern, and shiny marble-like eyes glisten cutely.

Buda Wiener Dog Dachshund statue Look at him go.Photo courtesy of the Buda Economic Development Corporation

Buda EDC CEO Jennifer Storm "imagined" the artwork and Art Seen Alliance made it happen.

“Buda already has something most communities spend years trying to manufacture: a distinctive identity people remember,” said Storm in the release. “Our wiener dog tradition gives us the opportunity to create a permanent, highly photographable landmark that reinforces the Buda brand 365 days a year. This pup isn’t merely decoration. It’s an investment in our identity.”

Buda EDC leadership hopes that people driving on I-35 will see the dog and pull over, leading them to patronize local businesses on their way through. Then any photos posted online will draw further attention to the small city.

“When I first pictured a giant wiener dog standing in Buda, I knew it had to be big enough to make people pull over,” said Storm. “Twenty-five years of economic development has been built on the heart and heritage that make Buda special: our people, our sense of fun and, yes, our dachshunds.”

buda dogs sculpture public art