What a waste

Austin's groundbreaking green grocery store announces 'heartbreaking' closure

It's a wrap for zero-waste grocery store In.gredients.

The nation’s first experiment in zero-waste grocery shopping is over. On April 25, In.gredients — the Manor Road shop known for its strict commitment to sustainability — announced in a statement that April 27 will be the shop's final day in business.

“Well folks, it's not easy being green,” the statement read. “To be honest, we're heartbroken. But don't lose heart. For over five years, we have diverted waste from landfills, supported local growers and artisans, brought people together, and helped Cherrywood live a little bit healthier.”

The small grocer at 2610 Manor Rd. made global headlines when it opened in 2012 with an entirely package-free model. In 2014, In.gredients shifted focus, allowing some packaged items to appear on shelves and coolers, while still being mindful of waste and local sourcing.

During that time, the tiny grocer became more than just a shop. With a calendar full of yoga, live music, children’s programming, and the occasional block party, In.gredients evolved into a beloved community hub for Austin’s green set.

In early 2017, the team reached out to fans through a crowdfunding campaign. Even though business was brisk throughout 2016, rising property taxes and other economic factors forced the owners to seek help. That campaign raised $30,928, slightly exceeding the initial goal.

In the statement, In.gredients encouraged patrons to keep up the good fight. “The zero-waste movement is still growing. Since we came on the scene as the nation's first zero-waste grocery store, many more have sprung up all over the country. We must all continue to choose and demand local, sustainably sourced, ethically manufactured, and responsibly (un)packaged products. It's not possible for this country, or this planet, to continue with business as usual for long”

As for the next chapter of the property, the owners said Austin will just have to wait. “We can't say for certain what comes next for our little slice of heaven on Manor Road,” the statement read, “but we're excited for the possibilities.”

closings

Games on the Go

This outdoorsy mountain trolley is now a vintage arcade in Austin

Photo courtesy of the Austin Arcade Trolley

The trolley still bears most of the markings from its past life in Tennessee.

Some classic arcade games are now on the go in Austin with the launch of the Austin Arcade Trolley. Housed in a renovated trolley car, this new mobile arcade shows off eight vintage 80s and 90s games, while keeping some of the transportation nostalgia intact, too.

Austin Arcade Trolley owner and ex-corporate salesman Trey Tschoepe said in a press release that the idea came about after attending birthday parties with his 6-year-old daughter. The parties inspired a desire to "keep Austinites young at heart." It wasn't intended as a business, but Austinites can now book it for their own events.

The vintage games include:

NBA Jam
Golden Tee
Ms. Pacman
Atari
The Simpsons
NFL Blitz
Mortal Kombat
Street Fighter II

Austin Arcade Trolley interior Even though the aesthetics are different, both halves of this bus are very retro.Photo courtesy of the Austin Arcade Trolley

It's not just limited to those classics, though; a 55-inch screen will let guests play more than 30,000 other games. Minecraft, Roblox, and Tetris are a few of those offerings.

“Not only are we delivering nostalgic fun that accessible to all ages, but we’re also doing it in style with a vintage trolley car converted into a mobile arcade," said Tschoepe. "There’s truly nothing else like this in Texas or anywhere else.”

There certainly are other mobile arcades, but the trolley is unique not just for its vintage selection but a delightfully outdoorsy look. The back of the vehicle looks like an arcade, but the front and exterior sidestep the expected design elements — neon colors, envisionings of cyberspace — by keeping everything as-is.

Austin Arcade Trolley interior This part of the trolley basically looks like any other mobile arcade.Photo courtesy of the Austin Arcade Trolley

The wooden interior still has some passenger benches, and the outside even displays its original affiliation: the Tennessee town of Pigeon Forge, where it was designated a "Fun Time Trolley."

Tschoepe did put some work in, even though he kept the aesthetic intact. He purchased the decommissioned car in May 2024 and spent six months implementing custom woodwork and other design updates.

Now it can fit 15 guests in the arcade section, with space for 7 more in the seating section. There's also wifi and air-conditioning, and guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks and drinks onboard.

Austin Arcade Trolley interior This part of the trolley brings light to an airier side of gaming.Photo courtesy of the Austin Arcade Trolley

The trolley is available for hourly booking every day. The case price is $375 including delivery, setup, and unlimited play within the booking time, which happens in two-hour increments. It can travel around Austin as well as to Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Georgetown, Leander, Dripping Springs, Bee Cave, Buda, Kyle, and Lakeway.

Tschoepe welcomes kids and adults for birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, weddings, corporate and team-building events, and anywhere else it's needed.

“We’re excited to spread the fun throughout Central Texas," he said.

kids games arcade parties weddings