Let's Eat
Iconic downtown Austin park's massive makeover includes new restaurant
A new opportunity has surfaced for local restaurateurs. The Downtown Austin Alliance is seeking an established restaurateur to operate a new casual dining concept at Republic Square, which is currently under renovation.
The historic central plaza closed last summer to make way for a $5.8 million makeover that includes a new market area, public bathrooms, additional seating, a central walkway, and much more. Plans also call for a counter-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
The Alliance looks to Niko Niko's at Houston's Market Square and Shake Shack in Madison Square Park in New York for inspiration. Both eateries grew from small concepts into flourishing restaurants that maintain their local flair.
"We are thrilled to have the chance to provide park users with what Austin is known for — amazing food and beautiful green spaces," says Dewitt Peart, president and CEO of the Alliance, in a release on Tuesday.
Republic Square has gone through many transformations over the years. Its latest metamorphosis has been more than three years in the making and involves a clever collaboration between the Alliance, the City of Austin, the federal government, several local organizations, and private donors.
For more information about the restaurant opportunity, contact the Downtown Austin Alliance. The park, complete with new food vendor, is expected to reopen this fall.