Final Days

Gourmet Austin grocery Dia's Market & Deli to close after 10 years

The owners of Dia's Market expected the surrounding area to develop differently over the years.

A North Central Austin food market is closing soon after 10 years in business. Dia's Market & Deli, located at 812 Justin Ln., will close at the end of November, according to an announcement on social media.

Store owner David Hopper wrote a history of the business and an explanation of why the store would close. In it, he said that he and his wife, Amanda, "understood" that the store was in an area that would be developed. However, whether because they miscalculated or circumstances changed — Hopper doesn't say exactly why — that didn't happen.

"As these expectations have not come to fruition and our customer traffic continues to slow, renewing our least unfortunately just doesn't make economic sense," Hopper wrote.

The couple started working on the space in 2014 and opened it in June of 2016. They knew the area well, since they already lived there and had started raising a family, whose names formed the name of the shop (Dylan, Isobel, and Alexander: DIA).

The area around Dia's isn't undeveloped, but it doesn't drive much foot traffic. Justin Lane is an offshoot of North Lamar, almost exactly where it connects to Airport Boulevard. The store isn't visible from either of the busy roads, which mostly draw cars, anyway. The store is located next to a patch of well-known Asian stores including 99 Ranch Market, Tous les Jours Bakery Café, and a number of restaurants, which may also have a hand in overshadowing the smaller store.

"I have always rooted for the 'underdogs' and knew from the beginning that Dia's Market fit that description well," wrote Hopper. "I am proud of our accomplishments, the amazing learning experience it has been and will never forget all the wonderful people we had the good fortune of meeting throughout this entire journey."

Dia's is known for its sandwiches, which are all $12.99 on the lunch menu and $8.25 on the breakfast menu. The store carries rotisserie chickens and a wide variety of gourmet grocery treats, including products by local brands like non-dairy ice cream by Luv Fats, peanut bites by 2025 Quest for Texas Best winner Oca, and some local beers.

The closing announcement did not include any information about closing specials or a definitive last day. However, the post does encourage Austinites to "swing by and say farewell to our team."

closings grocery grocery stores gourmet foods sandwiches

One pour for the road

Lauded Spanish bar to close as Emmer & Rye group leaves Austin hotel

Photo by Mars Tello

The bar rightfully takes up almost half of Kalimotxo, which is known for its beverage program.

Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, one of Austin's leading restaurant groups, has announced that as of November 9 it will cease to manage Kalimotxo and Lefty's Day and Night at the Sixth Street hotel Arrive Austin.

Kalimotxo, which was an Emmer & Rye concept before it moved to the hotel on Sixth Street, will close. The hotel will replace it with a lobby bar starting November 9. Lefty's Day and Night, which the Emmer & Rye group acquired as Lefty's Brick Bar in March of 2026, will stay open with its regular hours and programming.

"We are sad to see this chapter come to a close, and we are deeply grateful to the guests, staff, and neighbors who frequented Kalimotxo over the years," said a statement the group provided to CultureMap. The statement simply announced the end of operations and the transition or closure of each concept.

Lefty's Day and Night patio The patio at Lefty's Day and Night draws locals as well as hotel guests.Photo by Mitchell Skees

Kalimotxo is a Spanish cocktail bar with tapas. The name (pronounced kah-lee-moh-choh) refers to a Basque drink that mixes red wine and Coca-Cola. Among the hospitality group's original concepts, it was one of the more casual and suited for an impromptu visit.

The concept's identity was largely based on wine — especially wine poured from a porrón, a pitcher with a very narrow spout that allows drinkers to pour directly into their mouths. Kalimotxo was a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program.

However, many Austinites recognize Kalimotxo for one dish: the burnt basque cheesecake, served with Texas fruit. This dessert was an early signature for Emmer & Rye group partner and pastry chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph, who is now one of the leading pastry chefs in the state and even the country. Bristol-Joseph also earned a James Beard finalist nomination this year for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker at Nicosi, his avant garde, fine dining dessert bar in San Antonio.

Kalimotxo exterior Kalimotxo's hot pink signature hints of the concept's subtle party vibe despite a chic and calm interior.Photo by Mars Tello

In addition to Bristol-Joseph, Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group includes partners Kevin Fink, Alicynn Fink, and Rand Egbert. Its Austin concepts are Emmer & Rye, Hestia, Canje, and Ezov; its San Antonio concepts are Ladino, Henbit, and Pullman Market. The market contains four full-service restaurants including Nicosi and Isodore, which both have Michelin stars, plus five quick-service eateries. San Antonians can also look forward to more Emmer & Rye dining at the upcoming hotel Sítio El Tropicano, and its first-revealed concept, Barberry. The hospitality group is the hotel's culinary partner across the property.