Central Market Westgate Ready to Unveil Massive Remodel
South Austin store takes the lead
By Kate Thornberry, 9:45AM, Thu. May 23, 2013
In a truly exemplary way, the changes were driven by both customer requests and the various department leaders’ fevered dreams of Utopian perfection. On a walk-through of the remodeled store, it seemed to me that the whole staff is genuinely thrilled with the changes. I mean really thrilled! With good reason – the changes are thrilling.
Probably everyone’s favorite thing will be that the customer no longer has to twist and turn through the entire store, as though they are walking through the entrails of a snake, to get to a single item. The new floor plan is very open with wide aisles and lots of natural light, and it is much easier to get directly to the department you want.
The grocery department has been greatly expanded, ending another pet peeve: that one often had to go to a regular HEB immediately after shopping at Central Market to get paper towels, pet food, zipper storage bags, aspirin, and the like. Now there are at least one brand of most normal grocery items, and dog food and laundry detergent are going to be available in bulk.
The Cafe patio has been enclosed, adding 80 more air-conditioned seats, and a real stage has been erected for live music. Bands will be engaged to play every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening.
On that day a guided “stroll” will be offered through the store between 5pm and 8pm, with 27 different food and wine sampling stations. Joe Nick Patoski will narrate the mural for the general edification. Guest Passes for the Stroll are $10, with the proceeds going to HAAM (The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians).
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Emily Beyda, Jan. 23, 2019
Emily Beyda, Aug. 7, 2018
Food, Central Market Westgate, Westgate remodel, Kerry Awn, HAAM