DESSERT DESTINATION

Dessert-only takeout shop treats North Austin to specialty churros

Photo courtesy of Señor Churro

The opening pronouncement from one of Austin’s newest sugary spots kept it short and sweet: “It’s 2020, y’all. We need dessert!”

Apparently, Austinites agree, as they’ve been scooping up sweet treats from Señor Churro, a new takeout dessert establishment located at the Kitchen United Mix facility on Burnet Road in North Austin.

“We felt a need for a simple dessert takeout option at the Mix,” says owner Ash Ahuja, who also owns the Bombay Walla and Pastabilities concepts at Kitchen United Mix. “The challenges of the pandemic inspired us to think outside the box. A good, simple dessert adds a moment of positivity to your day, and we all need that right now.”

In addition to classic cinnamon and sugar churros, the Señor Churro menu features some unique flavor combos, including brown sugar and cardamom seed churros; and brown sugar, dried ginger, and fennel seed churros. The accompanying caramel and Mexican chocolate sauces are house-made.

“We love churros, but we find that these are not as readily available as, for instance, doughnuts,” Ahuja says. “We came up with some unique flavors … and our customers love them! Surprisingly, the churros hold up pretty well for takeout and stay crunchy for a long time.”

For patrons with a sweet tooth who don’t find fried and sprinkled churros a treat (Do such people actually exist?), Señor Churro also offers tres leches cake and chocolate cake by the slice, as well as ice cream, mango smoothies, and horchata.

Ahuja says Señor Churro is currently open for takeout service, curbside pickup, and limited delivery only, though he may rethink that strategy post-pandemic once indoor dining becomes a more viable option.

In the meantime, he’s hoping Austinites are dazzled by Señor Churro’s holiday offerings: chocolate sprinkle churros (coated in Ghirardelli Chocolate and rainbow sprinkles) and the holiday churro platter, which “can literally feed a soccer team.”

“In general, people are really excited about churros, a beloved dessert in Texas. And we’ve had great feedback on our unique flavors,” Ahuja says. “Business has been up and down, as can be expected during the pandemic. We do expect a busy December as people are looking for simpler ways to celebrate. And a gift of churros always brings cheer.”

holidays desserts doughnuts

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