South Congress Shift

Austin jeweler to take over South Congress space left by Mi Casa Gallery

Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott is getting its first brick-and-mortar store.

Photo courtesy of Kendra Scott

Kendra Scott already has one high-value location on South Congress Avenue, but a spin-off store is taking over another much-discussed storefront. Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott is moving into the space left behind by Mi Casa Gallery at 1700 S. Congress Ave.

Yellow Rose, a collection that debuted during South by Southwest in 2023, is getting its own space for the first time in fall of 2024 after operating from the Kendra Scott store and occasional pop-ups. More so than the broader Kendra Scott brand, these pieces focus on personalization and a Western look. Local artisans are invited into the space for residencies, and some of the custom elements are gathered from thrift stores.

The departure of Mi Casa in April sparked heated conversations about the future of the space and South Congress in general. Some Austinites feel strongly that longtime local businesses on South Congress should be protected, but without an immediate solution in place, some properties are seeing their rent tripled.

Mi Casa Gallery is now called Camino and is located at 209 East Main Street Suite A in Johnson City.

The Kendra Scott team emphasized the history of the storefront in a release, promising to "[honor] Mi Casa’s heritage as an Austin shopping destination after 30 years of business."

It is not clear at this stage how Kendra Scott plans to pay homage, but more details are promised closer to the opening date. Kendra Scott is itself a long-running brand, having started in Austin in 2002 and moved to South Congress eight years later. The brand now sells accessories nationwide.

“Bringing the first brick-and-mortar Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott store to South Congress, where I opened my very first Kendra Scott store in 2010, is incredibly exciting," said Scott in the release. "Austin has been our home for over 20 years, and I'm honored to continue showcasing our Texas roots on this ever-growing South Congress footprint."

More information about Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott is available at kendrascott.com.

Brunchy Business

Mimosa Walk returns to Austin's South 1st Street for sips and shopping

Blue Suede/Instagram

Businesses along South 1st Street are welcoming shoppers with mimosas on Saturday, November 16.

Perhaps no other drink has the mimosa's power to draw people out on the weekend, and one Austin neighborhood is harnessing it for a leisurely tour of local businesses. The Austin Mimosa Walk: South 1st Fall Festival is scheduled for November 16, and will stop at local businesses, each with complimentary drinks.

The tour will include some shopping, some casual snack spots, and even some wellness stops. Although not every business mimosa walkers will pass is participating, the tour will pass lots of local eateries, making it easy to tack on a lunch when the Champagne starts making itself known.

The following eight businesses are participating as stops on the self-guided tour:

Austin Salt Room — a spa-like environment for salt therapy, essentially hanging out near tons of salt while breathing in microscopic salt particles, which are said to improve respiratory health
Blue Suede Austin — a cool women's shoe boutique (with a wine bar!) that specializes in semi-casual styles at mid-range prices, featuring brands like Sam Edelman, Jeffrey Campbell, and Cecelia
Devil’s Details Boutique — formerly Bloomers and Frocks, this vintage shop has rebranded and shifted its focus to jewelry, often in bold and unique styles
Glint Dental — a dental office specializing in aesthetic procedures like veneers and whitening, but also offering general and preventative care
Golden Mean — early holiday shoppers should keep friends and family in mind at this gift shop, which carries unique goods ranging from soaps and blankets to kitchen goods and avant-garde decor.
Once Over Coffee— an unassuming-on-the-outside, artsy-on-the-inside coffee shop serving Wild Gift Coffee and less common coffee shop finds like kombucha and Italian soda
Package Austin — a queer menswear store for harnesses, underwear, accessories, toys, and community events
Sugar Mamas Bakeshop — a colorful bakery specializing in fantastically decorated cakes, often with a sarcastic or funny twist

The listing on Eventbrite promises a hydration station by Topo Chico, a collector's glass, and that the event will sell out. It requires that tickets ($32) be purchased in advance online. [Update: An event organizer says the ninth business on the Eventbrite list is still under construction, and will not be participating.]

The walk will take place from noon to 3:30 pm. Guests will receive a "passport" to help navigate between tour stops. A check-in tent will get guests started at 1628 S. 1st St.

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