Rainey Street Happenings
New craft beer mecca pours into trendy downtown Austin district
A new craft beer spot is taking up residence on Rainey Street. Anthem, a concept from Nebraska-based Flagship Restaurant Group, is slated to open at the Millennium Rainey Street development this fall.
Anthem is described as a "bar and eating house," in a release, and it is a passion project of sorts for FRG owner and COO Anthony Hitchcok, who has long wanted to open something in his native Austin.
"It’s always been my dream to come back and open a restaurant in my hometown," Hitchcock says in the release. "Anthem gives a nod to the reminiscence of childhood and is about coming together to find that common thread in people again. It will be a place everyone is welcome, and everyone can feel at home."
The design will pay homage to Hitchock's childhood home in Austin, with a "mod vintage vibe" and a patio that will feel like a backyard for guests.
The restaurant will serve craft beer and pub grub, both drawing from Asian inspiration. Menu items include charred edamame, egg roll flatbread, and a karrage chicken sandwich; there will be vegan offerings too. There will also be a lot of booze: 40 beers on tap, some with Asian influences; eight wines by the glass; and craft cocktails.
"At Anthem, we’re pairing classic American pub cuisine with adventurous Asian influences," says Tony Gentile, corporate executive chef of the group. "We’re having a lot of fun developing this menu, and not taking ourselves too seriously."
FRG operates a food hall and four other restaurant concepts, including the popular Blue Sushi Sake Grill, which has locations in Dallas and Fort Worth. This is the group's first foray into Austin.
"I’m looking forward to coming home again, and hope Austin enjoys our take on the good life," Hitchock says.
