culture cooking

East Austin barbecue family holds strong against neighborhood developers

The longtime business hopes to preserve the neighborhood's culture.

Photo courtesy of KVUE

When you first arrive at Sam's BBQ on East 12th Street in East Austin, you are greeted by the sweet aromas of Texas barbecue before you even step foot inside the family-owned shop.

Once inside, it's impossible not to take in the hundreds of photographs pasted to the walls. They include many photos of family and friends, plus familiar faces like former president Bill Clinton and music legend Stevie Ray Vaughn.

The owner of Sam's, Brian Mays, remembers what it was like when his father first bought the restaurant from his friend, Sam, in 1957.

"This side here was for Black folks, Spanish folks, low class income," Mays said. "We made money all night long, but as we got older, things started changing. So we got to prepare for the change too."

The East Austin neighborhood looks very different than it did back then. Now when you drive around, you'll see shiny, modern condos sprouting up, lined with glass walls, some being used as Airbnbs. You'll also see construction sites and new businesses.

"It was an old Black neighborhood then. There were 500 Black businesses over here," Mays said.

But with each hungry developer that comes his way, eyeing his property to make an offer to buy it, Mays turns them down every time – including the pretty penny offered to him in 2018.

"I think that year, they came with $5 million. And everyone's like, 'Why are you turning all these millions down?'" Mays said. "I said, 'If I don't turn it down, I won't have anything no more.'"

Now he's hoping to pass the baton to his children and grandchildren – like Lesha Griffin, who has always known Mays as her "papa."

"Personally, it was important for me to see representation. To know a Black-owned business can last for 60 years and do that. It's a big deal," Griffin said.

In recent years, Griffin helped Mays' daughter, Tameka Mays, open the Austin Daiquiri Factory connected to the BBQ restaurant. Their goal is to bring in a new crowd with their colorful, flavorful boozy beverages.

"Three years ago, we were in the middle of COVID. We were trying to find a way to stimulate traffic within the BBQ shop," Griffin said.

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

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Elegy for Irene

Bubbly Austin brunch spot Irene's closing after 8 years

Irene's/Instagram

One of Austin's most popular brunch spots is throwing in the towel when its lease ends.

Despite the ever -increasing number of Austin brunches, the scene is losing a classic. Irene's on West 6th Street announced November 12 that it will be closing at the end of its lease this month.

“We are incredibly grateful for the loyal support of our guests, friends, and family over the last 8 years,” said operating partner Scott Hentschel in a press release. “We’ve had the privilege of celebrating countless occasions, fostering friendships, and creating unforgettable memories with you."

It does seem to be the end of Irene's, but the team behind it is looking to take its talents elsewhere.

"While this chapter may be ending, our passion for hospitality burns brighter than ever," Hentschel continued. "We are actively exploring new opportunities and locations where we can welcome you in the future.”

Irene's didn't just offer brunch, but it was a local favorite for the midday weekend meal for several years, offering a hybrid diner and Tex-Mex menu that included everything from biscuits and gravy, to tacos, to all-day breakfast sandwiches, to soft-serve ice cream. Many group photos were taken after a few mimosas in front of the neon sign and fake greenery.

The restaurant and bar also had a very full events calendar, with multiple recurring events every week. Drag brunches, game days, movie screenings, yoga, and more characterized the daily flow of Irene's.

Fans of Irene's have the rest of the lease to say goodbye — presumably, that's the rest of the month, but the release does not give a hard closing date. Some special events will be scheduled to see it off.

“We are immensely grateful to every person who has walked through our doors, enjoyed a drink, shared a meal, and contributed to the spirit of our restaurant. Your support has kept us going through the highs and lows," says the release, which also thanks the team, neighbors, and vendors. "And to you, our cherished guests, thank you for choosing to be a part of our story. We love you, Austin, and we will miss you dearly!”

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