Pancakes for Everyone

Iconic Austin restaurant sets eyes on this Texas city for expansion

You're welcome, Houston.

One of Austin's most beloved restaurants has long-term plans to expand to Houston. Kerbey Lane Cafe is looking to the Bayou City for its first locations outside of the Austin area, CEO Mason Ayer stated at a forum hosted by the Austin Business Journal.

Kerbey Lane has seven locations around Austin, four of which are open 24 hours per day. Over its 40-year history, the restaurant has earned acclaim for its extensive menu of over-the-top pancakes, as well as signature dishes like Kerbey Queso. Houston's proximity to Austin makes it a natural fit for Kerbey Lane to expand, Ayer stated.

"The word that comes to mind is 'terrified,'" Ayer said about the plans. "But it's something we feel we have to do. We are getting a little saturated here. Doing that first one in a new market will be the toughest one.”

In response to CultureMap's request for a comment, a representative states the restaurant has neither a specific timeline for the plan nor any neighborhoods in mind. However, Ayer told CultureMap in 2015 that he would like to see expansion "in the next five years." Also, Ayer said at the forum that he's sought advice from Pluckers Wing Bar co-owner Sean Greenberg, which is another Austin-based restaurant that's successfully expanded to Houston.

Kerbey Lane would join the seemingly never ending wave of Austin-based restaurants that make their way to Houston. In the last week alone, James Beard award winner Paul Qui announced plans to open a restaurant in the Montrose neighborhood, fancy burger joint Hopdoddy revealed the opening date for its second Houston-area location in Rice Village, and Ramen Tatsu-Ya set an opening date.

breakfast openings

FESTIVAL SEASON

Olamaie, Antonelli's, and Dai Due pros link up with Hill Country food fest

Photo by Nicolai McCrary

35 wineries are participating in the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival.

In April, one of the Hill Country’s longest-running culinary get-togethers promised a glow up. Now, the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival is delivering the goods. On August 20, the planners released an all-star lineup for the event's return October 25 and 26, including some very well-known names from Austin.

With 22 chefs, 35 wineries, and 14 breweries and distilleries, the list reflects the town’s growing status as a food and drink destination. Although the community has long been known for its Southern, Tex-Mex, and barbecue fare, this year’s participants showcase a wide array of global cuisines.

The demo stage shows that interest in Fredericksburg spans far past Wine Road 290. In addition to hosting popular locals like Becker Vineyards and Chase’s Place, some leading Austin chefs are headlining. Michael Fojtasek and Justin Spencer, who will soon be opening Junebug’s in town will be joined by Dai Due’s Jesse Griffiths and Antonelli’s Cheese.

Local Hill Country highlights include Southwestern standard bearer Hill & Vine, Stonewall charmer Hye Thai, small-batch Italian ice purveyors Piccolina, and casual seafood spot Mystic Lobster Roll Company. Mainstays like Fischer & Weiser round out the offerings.

“This year’s festival is slated to be our most immersive and engaging to-date, with an array of innovative and tantalizing experiences to amuse the palate,” says festival producer Hayley Wakefield via a release.

Other activations include a VIP lounge curated by Augusta Vin, a sparkling wine garden from Heath, and Joanna’s Market, a unique shopping and dining hybrid from Signor Vineyards. Revel Kitchen + Catering will turn up the heat with El Quincho Asador Argentino, a live-fire kitchen.

Badges for the festival are currently on sale with prices ranging from a $100 discounted ticket for locals to an inclusive VIP weekender pass. Various add-ons can also be purchased for discrete events such as a yoga and wine event, a dinner on Fredericksburg’s historic Austin Street, and a waterfront brunch. The full lineup is available at fbgfoodandwine.com.

festivals wine distillery breweries hill country fredericksburg event planner