Unhappy hour

Time's up after North Austin gay bar permanently closes due to COVID-19 pandemic

The bar opened in 2012.

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North Austin gay bar ’Bout Time 2 has announced its last call, blaming the club’s permanent closure on the coronavirus pandemic.

“It is with sad news that we will be officially closing our doors permanently due to the pandemic that is occurring,” ’Bout Time 2 said on Instagram. “We are truly grateful for all the amazing people that has supported our establishment over the MANY years!!! Thank you for allowing us to in being part of this community!!! Stay safe and thank you everyone for everything!!!”

The bar, also known as BT2, had been temporarily shut down since March due to the pandemic. BT2, which opened in 2012 at 6607 N. I-35 Frontage Rd., was recognized for its laidback atmosphere, drag shows, sand volleyball court, and food service.

On a GoFundMe page set up to raise money for the staff of BT2, co-owner Tino Calderon said it was “impossible” to pay the club’s rent because of the mandatory shutdown of bars in Austin and the subsequent evaporation of revenue.

“We’ve heard suggestions to create a GoFundMe to help re-open the bar but the money needed for that is too tremendous,” Calderon wrote May 7. “What would help … is one last effort to help employees transition from the hope they had for their BT2 job to what lies ahead.”

In September, Caye South Management Group Inc., the Austin-based owner of BT2, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The bankruptcy filing listed up to $50,000 in assets and $100,001 to $500,000 in liabilities.

Court records show the largest creditor is BFS Receivables LLC in Coral Springs, Florida, which is owed $124,875 for a credit card advance. The No. 2 creditor is the Texas Comptroller’s Office, which is owed more than $75,000 in back taxes. Next in line is the IRS, which is due nearly $70,000.

cocktails closings

Craft Convenience

Iconic Austin convenience store Quickie Pickie opening on South Congress

Quickie Pickie/Instagram

This laid-back store serves high-quality food and drinks in a casual environment.

A longtime Austin convenience store is opening a second location. A press release about a new mixed-use condo development called Congress Lofts announces that one of its anchor retail owners will be Quickie Pickie. The release doesn't say when the store will open.

Congress Lofts will be located in the St. Elmo District at 4315 South Congress Ave., the equivalent of a few blocks south of Ben White Boulevard. The site is near Urban Betty Salon and the industrial park containing St. Elmo Brewing Company, Spokesman, and other casual food and beverage spots.

Quickie Pickie is one of the most defining examples of Austin's increasingly popular upgraded convenience store trend. The locally owned shop traces its existence back 25 years, having closed, reopened, changed hands, and narrowly avoided closing at least once again since then.

There was a true second location on Cesar Chavez Street starting in 2016, where La Barbecue moved in during 2017 and then out in 2021. The convenience store closed sometime after its partner's move-out and is now being replaced with Bad Larry Burger Club, which is expected to open soon. The Quickie Pickie ownership group headed by Zahir Prasla also made headlines in 2017 when it snatched up the Whip In.

Inside, it does look like a semi-standard convenience store with rows of grocery products and cooled drinks. But it also features some friendly design on the patio and behind the counter where craft beers are served on draft, encouraging folks to stick around for breakfast tacos, sandwiches, and fine wine. The release mentions all the same offerings at the new location.

The development under construction promises a "ground-floor retail experience that perfectly complements its modern residential offerings" with live-work units and one- and two-bedroom condos. It also name drops Pins Mechanical Company, a bowling alley, arcade, and bar planned across the street at the St. Elmo Public Market.

Congres Lofts rendering A projected view of the industrial-style Congress Lofts.Rendering courtesy of Intracorp

“We are thrilled to bring Quickie Pickie to Congress Lofts,” said William Sayers, vice president of development at Intracorp, the real estate developer behind Congress Lofts, in the release. “As the St. Elmo Arts District continues to evolve, our goal is to promote local businesses that celebrate Austin’s culture. Quickie Pickie embodies that spirit and will be a fantastic neighborhood addition for both residents and visitors.”

openings condos convenience stores grocery tacos beer wine