Opening alert

Cult Houston fast-casual restaurant crops up in downtown Austin

Local Foods is opening its first Austin location in late summer.

Photo by Julie Soefer

One of Houston’s most popular concepts is heading to the Capital City. Fast-casual fave Local Foods will open its first Austin location at 454 W. Second St. in late summer 2020, according to a release.

Founded by Houston restaurateur Benjy Levit and chef/partner Dylan Murray in 2011, the counter-service concept has become a phenomenon in the Bayou City and now has five locations scattered across the city. True to the name, the restaurant focuses on seasonal produce and meats sourced from area farms and ranches.

Overseeing operations will be a familiar name in Austin: Martin Berson. The Austin-based restaurateur helped open acclaimed eatery Benjy’s with Levit in 1995 before going on to found Snap Kitchen in 2010.

“I’m beyond thrilled to bring the Local Foods concept to Austin and have the opportunity to work with Benjy and Chef Dylan again after all these years,” said Berson via release. “What these two have created with this unique approach to everyday sandwiches and salads is best in class in a growing space of fast-fine concepts. The local farms, vendors, and amazing Austin vibe is a perfect fit for Local Foods.”

The menu details have not been released and each location has slightly different offerings, but Austin can expect sandwiches made with unexpected ingredients like duck confit and truffled egg salad, farm-fresh salads and sides, and several vegan mains.

“We truly believe in forming our menu around as many high-quality, local ingredients as we can and look forward to doing so in Austin,” said Levity in the release.

In addition to the main fare, guests will find an assortment of daily desserts. Craft beer and a curated selection of wines will also be available.

And since this is Austin, the location will include a patio. Lauded architect Michael Hsu is helming the project alongside interior designer Aaron Rambo. Together, the pair will outfit the 4,500-square-foot space, which spans two levels.

Local Foods is the latest project slated for downtown’s ever-growing 2nd Street District. Nearby, upscale hotel Austin Proper welcomed its first guests in mid-December.

openings downtown

Grocery news haul

Grocery service Farmhouse Delivery returns to Austin with fun surprise

Courtesy photo

undefined

After suddenly halting its operations in May, grocery service Farmhouse Delivery is on its way back, with an extra surprise for Austin: a new storefront.

Known for offering locally prepared foods and produce from small Central Texas farms, the subscription-based service emailed its loyal customers on Monday, November 18, to share the relaunch news and outline its plans for the future.

“We’ve missed you and are beyond grateful for your patience as we’ve been hard at work planning the next chapter of Farmhouse Delivery,” the newsletter reads. “Soon, you’ll once again have fresh, local food delivered straight to your doorstep[.]”

Farmhouse Delivery is aiming for a December date to resume deliveries, they say. They've used the intervening six months to not only revamp their existing business model, but to expand their offerings.

The biggest surprise in the newsletter was a revelation of plans for a new storefront in Austin, blending a cozy farmer’s market vibe with what they call “the best parts of your favorite grocer — where you can discover fresh foods, refill on essentials, connect with other members on sustainable living, and, of course, [shop] our best local products — all in innovative, reusable packaging.”

The email did not divulge details for the location or timing of the storefront project.

The company also plans to introduce a new membership model with exclusive benefits such as sneak peeks of new products and promotions.

Underscoring its commitment to sustainability, Farmhouse also announced that it’s working toward a completely plastic-free delivery:

“Expect to see your favorite items in sustainable packaging, with rewards for returning and reusing Farmhouse materials. Together, let’s reduce waste and make sustainable choices the coolest thing to do.”

The newsletter invited customers to complete a survey to help shape the ongoing Farmhouse experience. There, customers can indicate their desired delivery day (or days) and the factors that influence that preference (meal planning, work schedule, etc.), as well as specific products they would like to see in future deliveries.

Survey participants can also designate their preferred price point for memberships and the most appealing benefits from a long list, including free deliveries, additional delivery days, free products, members-only cooking classes, exclusive content, and more.

Neither the newsletter nor the Farmhouse website announced a specific date for relaunching, but returning and new customers can keep an eye on the website and social media for further details.

delivery farmhouse grocery supermarkets