Sad news

Austin food scene shocked by shutters of beloved barbecue joint and farmers market favorite

Sonya Cote Eden East at Springdale Farms in Austin 4133

Owners Glenn and Paula Foore are closing Springdale Farm.

Photo by Veronica Meewes

UPDATE: Ruby's BBQ has announced that their final day of business will be February 17.

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Shock waves ran through the Austin food scene on January 31 with the announcement that two beloved Austin institutions were shuttering. Guadalupe Street joint Ruby’s BBQ and urban farm pioneers Springdale Farm both announced that they will be closing their doors in the near future.

First came news that Ruby’s BBQ was throwing in the towel after 30 years. In a statement to the Austin Chronicle, owner Pat Mares blamed the closure on a changing Austin, a shortage of labor, increased costs, and family concerns.

Although she would not divulge details, Mares did hint that there was a prospective buyer and that the “reincarnation will be a restaurant — not a tear down/development." The last day to get brisket, ribs, sausage, and spicy beans will be sometime around February 20, but the date may be pushed forward.

In more bad news, a mainstay of the Austin locavore movement is also calling it a day. In a statement emailed to newsletter subscribers, Springdale Farm owners Glenn and Paula Foore explained that they will be closing after tomato season this summer in order to “focus on health and family.”

The Foores purchased the East Austin property in 1992, then converted it into a farm in 2009. It has since become a favorite of both chefs and farmers market shoppers, hosting countless tastings and fundraisers as well as a twice-weekly farm stand on the property.

According to the newsletter, Springdale Handmades — the body products line helmed by Paula Foore and local food advocate Carla Crownover — will live on through online sales. No word yet on what the closure means for Eden East, chef Sonya Coté’s onsite restaurant. The farm stand will remain open through June 2018.

closings

Grocery news haul

Grocery service Farmhouse Delivery returns to Austin with fun surprise

Courtesy photo

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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