Bess Bistro to Close: Updated
New concept will replace long-running restaurant
By Brandon Watson, 4:00PM, Fri. Sep. 4, 2015
Another longtime Austin restaurant announced today that it will close its doors. Bess Bistro, the below-ground sister to Walton’s Fancy and Staple will close September 20 after nine years in business. All private event obligations will still be honored.
That landmark bistro got a reboot almost a year ago, hiring new executive chef Roman Murphy, who brought international flavors to Bess’ New Orleans template. A new concept with a new name will take Bess’ place, although no details were given in today’s announcement. No word yet on whether Murphy, recently honored in Zagat’s 30 Under 30 list, will be at the helm.
We’ll keep you posted on more details as we hear them. Man, we'll miss those beignets.
UPDATE: The new concept planned will be a tapas restaurant and lounge.A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.