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Counter Culture

Venerated East Austin vegan restaurant announces permanent closure

Counter Culture
Counter Culture will close by the end of the year. Courtesy of KVUE

Austin's rising cost of living continues to force local business owners to make tough decisions. On Thursday, December 1, vegan restaurant Counter Culture announced it will close at the end of the year.

"For the past three years, I've been looking for a building to buy," said Susan Davis, Counter Culture owner. "That was always my next step. Prices have just really increased. It just doesn't seem feasible right now."

She said there are other factors that played into her decision, including the pandemic, the rise of remote working, staff retention, and the increased cost of goods.

Davis said in a post on social media that the restaurant, located at 2337 E. Cesar Chavez St., will close when its lease ends at the end of December. Prior to its 11 years on Cesar Chavez, Counter Culture had a location on North Loop Boulevard for two-and-a-half years.

"People have been coming here since before their kids were born," said Riley Haun, Counter Culture lead server. "We've had weddings here. So, I've ... heard all of those stories. And it's like everyone is pretty sad that, you know, it's like their memories are kind of gone."

Starting on Monday, December 5, Counter Culture will go to a reduced hours schedule. The restaurant will be open Monday through Wednesday from 5 pm to 10 pm and Thursday through Sunday from 11 am to 10 pm.

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Read the full story and watch the video at KVUE.com.

news/restaurants-bars