International flavor
Wildly popular Taiwanese bakery breaks into Austin with 2 stores
If you need proof that Austin is getting more international, just look at the restaurant scene. Over the past few months, culinary diversity has exploded with global concepts like Bonchon and Burgerim announcing the opening of their first Austin locations. Now, wildly popular Taiwanese pastry and coffee shop 85°c Bakery Cafe is following suit with an announcement that it will open not one, but two local shops.
Named after the ideal temperature for coffee, the chain originated in Taiwan in 2004 before heading overseas to open its first American shop in Irvine, California, in 2008. The first location was such a runaway success that 85°c quickly expanded throughout the West Coast. In 2016, the company set its sights on a new market, opening the first Texas outpost in Carrollton and quickly spreading throughout the state.
The new Austin locations will both be in strip malls, the first at the corner of North Lamar Boulevard at 6929 Airport Blvd, Ste. 197 (also the home to 99 Ranch Market), and the second in a newer development at 11301 Lakeline Blvd.
A representative from the company tells CultureMap that a solid opening date has not been established, but both locations are wrapping up construction and permitting in anticipation of soft openings in mid-June.
The Austin stores will sell a mind-blowing variety of sweet and savory treats, including several specialties that are difficult to find in Austin. Highlights include fluffy Japanese yudane bread; strudels made with coconut, guava, or milk butter; calamari sticks made with squid ink and Swiss cheese; and danishes made from everything from taro to spinach and kale.
In addition to pastries and breads, the shops also sell cakes and drinks ranging from classic coffeehouse fare like lattes and cappuccinos to boba tea and iced sea salt coffee. The menu also includes frozen sippers made from ice cream blended with cookies and cream and honeydew melon powder.
When the stores do open, be prepared for a line. The DFW and Houston-area locations reportedly opened to mobs.
By now, most Austin diners know what to expect from an upscale sushi restaurant. Sushi Roku combines "Western influences with internationally inspired accents."
Photo by Richard Casteel, courtesy of IDG