Rise N' Shine

Cult biscuit and doughnut chain drops opening date for Central Austin shop

Rise Biscuits and Donuts will open soon on the Drag.

Move over breakfast tacos, biscuits are taking over the town. (Just kidding. Kinda.) Since announcing it was moving into the former home of Fuzzy's Taco Shop on the Drag, carb lovers have been eagerly awaiting the opening of Rise Biscuits and Donuts.

Lucky for us, the wait is almost over.

Though the original opening date was projected for fall 2017 (then again for March 2018), the cult biscuit shop will finally open its doors at 2522 Guadalupe St. on April 11.

Rise's made fresh doughnut menu includes classics like sprinkles and raspberry jelly as well as shop specialties like maple bacon bar, creme brulee, and apple fritter. On the savory side, diners can opt for biscuit sandwiches topped with crispy buttermilk chicken; bacon, egg, and cheese; and country ham. The menu also features non-biscuit and doughnut fare like chicken strips, "hashpuppies," and salads.

Salads aside, with its prime campus location and online ordering option, we can only imagine the number of hangovers that will be quelled within Rise's hollowed walls.

Since opening in 2012, the North Carolina-based Rise has developed a cult like following thanks to its Instagram-worthy fare and rapid expansion across the U.S. (The company is currently operating 17 shops and has two more slated to open soon, including its Austin location.) In an interview with Eater, the company said it aims to eventually have 1,000 stores across the country, modeling its business after the success of the Five Guys burger chain.

In celebration of its Austin grand opening, Rise Biscuits and Donuts will be donating 10 percent of all sales on April 14 to Kirby Hall School.

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INFINITE PI(E)

Feed your pie hole with these 7 Pi Day specials around Austin

A 12 pack of pies in 6 flavors from Tiny Pies.

Photo courtesy of Tiny Pies

Don’t be fooled, these tiny pies pack a punch of flavor.

Do you get texts or calls challenging you to recite the most digits of pi on March 14? If you can remember more than 3.1415926, you must be a wizard or fanatic. Or rather just better at memorization than most folks. Pi Day is a great way to get together with some friends over a slice of a wonderfully fruity dessert or a savory slice of pizza. And we can’t forget about our local businesses putting in the work to make it a great day for everyone.

Whether you’re in it for the love of pie or the mathematical constant, here’s seven Pi Day specials and events to look forward to around the Austin area.

Tiny Pies Pi Day menu

Don’t be fooled, these tiny pies pack a punch of flavor. Austin’s darling pie company has baked up several special pies for Pi Day. In addition to a 12-pack of tart cherry, apple crumb, Texas two-step, and sweet Texas pecan tiny pies, there will also be seven different flavors of nine-inch pies for enthusiasts to try. Other flavors available for their full-size pies include cherry crumb, chocolate cream, key lime, and coconut cream. Reservations for their Pi Day pies ends at 5 pm on March 13.

North Italia’s Pi Day Takeover

Modern Italian restaurant North Italia is having a month-long campaign with a special takeover for Pi Day until March 14 with plenty of pizza pie slices to go around. On Monday (3/13), street teams will be surprising SXSW attendees with 175 pizzas per day while driving branded Vespas. On Tuesday (3/14), a commemorative block party will be held at 415 East 7th Street. The public will be able to enjoy more free pizza such as a special Texas BBQ brisket pie, mocktails, charcuterie cups, and more. For some added excitement, a BMX team will be on site to wow crowds with a “Globe of Dough”-themed stunt show. For guests who would like a more permanent commemoration to Pi Day 2023, several local tattoo artists will be giving free limited-edition Pi Day tattoos to a select number of guests.

Tumble 22’s first-ever Pie Eating Contest

Just for Pi Day, Tumble 22 is offering customers a slice of pie for just $3.14. Both Austin locations will also host a pie eating contest for up to 20 contestants. Participants must eat a slice of pie without using their hands, and whoever finishes their slice the fastest gets a chance to win a custom Tumble 22 trophy. All contestants will get a whole pie to take home and some Tumble 22 swag. Tickets to enter the contest are $25 each that will be donated to Dell Children’s Medical Center. Registration can be found on Eventbrite.

Quack's Bakery pie menu

This renowned Austin bakery serves five different flavors of pie among many of their other mouthwatering desserts: cherry, apple cinnamon, chocolate cream, coconut cream, and key lime tart. If just a slice isn't enough, you can take a whole pie to go to hoard in your fridge.

Blaze Pizza’s Pi Day offers

Fast-casual pizza joint Blaze Pizza has some special offers just for guests who download their app and join their reward program. Austin area pizza lovers can enjoy $3.14 off any signature or build-your-own pizza on Pi Day just buy joining their Blaze Rewards through their app. The offer is only valid in-restaurant.

Austin Public Library’s Puzzles and Pi(e)

Test your patience and your brain while trying not to be distracted by a nice slice of pie. If you're looking for a free fun activity for yourself, your friends, or your family, the Austin Public Library’s Old Quarry Branch has the laid back afternoon for you. From 2 to 4 pm, they’ll be providing plenty of puzzles and pie for visitors of all ages and abilities.

City of Kyle's PIErate Treasure Hunt

All residents of the Pie Capital of Texas are invited to participate in this year’s treasure hunt from now until March 22. Four treasure chests are hidden all around the city which contain your chance to enter a raffle to win $314. Though the locations won’t be revealed, clues will be shared on the city’s Facebook page to help hunters find the booty. The city asks that participants who find the chests please leave them for others to find.

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