A longtime Austin convenience store is opening a second location. A press release about a new mixed-use condo development called Congress Lofts announces that one of its anchor retail owners will be Quickie Pickie. The release doesn't say when the store will open.

Congress Lofts will be located in the St. Elmo District at 4315 South Congress Ave., the equivalent of a few blocks south of Ben White Boulevard. The site is near Urban Betty Salon and the industrial park containing St. Elmo Brewing Company, Spokesman, and other casual food and beverage spots.

Quickie Pickie is one of the most defining examples of Austin's increasingly popular upgraded convenience store trend. The locally owned shop traces its existence back 25 years, having closed, reopened, changed hands, and narrowly avoided closing at least once again since then.

There was a true second location on Cesar Chavez Street starting in 2016, where La Barbecue moved in during 2017 and then out in 2021. The convenience store closed sometime after its partner's move-out and is now being replaced with Bad Larry Burger Club, which is expected to open soon. The Quickie Pickie ownership group headed by Zahir Prasla also made headlines in 2017 when it snatched up the Whip In.

Inside, it does look like a semi-standard convenience store with rows of grocery products and cooled drinks. But it also features some friendly design on the patio and behind the counter where craft beers are served on draft, encouraging folks to stick around for breakfast tacos, sandwiches, and fine wine. The release mentions all the same offerings at the new location.

The development under construction promises a "ground-floor retail experience that perfectly complements its modern residential offerings" with live-work units and one- and two-bedroom condos. It also name drops Pins Mechanical Company, a bowling alley, arcade, and bar planned across the street at the St. Elmo Public Market.

A projected view of the industrial-style Congress Lofts.Rendering courtesy of Intracorp

“We are thrilled to bring Quickie Pickie to Congress Lofts,” said William Sayers, vice president of development at Intracorp, the real estate developer behind Congress Lofts, in the release. “As the St. Elmo Arts District continues to evolve, our goal is to promote local businesses that celebrate Austin’s culture. Quickie Pickie embodies that spirit and will be a fantastic neighborhood addition for both residents and visitors.”