JuiceLand Strikes, DipDipDip Ice Cream Spikes, Samuel Adams Likes Moms, and More

Here’s some of what’s happening in Austin’s culinary scene, as the threat of COVID-19 begins to diminish (among the vaccinated, at least) and the city tries to regains its social, economic, and ideological footing. Yes, citizen, it's your Food News Buffet for the third week of May …

Squeeze time, comrades: There’s an employees’ strike at several local JuiceLand stores as of this writing, with production workers and shop workers withholding their labor to spotlight a series of demands – better wages, better working conditions, greater accountability on matters of racism and sexism. These are workers in solidarity without an official union, fighting as best they can under the circumstances; how this struggle might ultimately improve their situation – how the rapidly expanding company’s management will choose to respond and operate in the midst of (and in the wake of) these actions – remains to be seen …

[UPDATE: WED., MAY 19, 5pm: The JuiceLand management response has been swift. An official release from the company reports that, as of May 15, its front-of-house store employees now make a $15/hour minimum (including tips) and commissary teams make $17/hour. The company has also strengthened systems for reporting health and safety concerns and any form of discrimination, establishing an independently operated 1-800 number to provide increased accessibility and anonymity. So, ah, is this the end of the rapidly expanding company’s internal woes? We’ll be keeping a watchful eye and covering the continuing story for you, juice-lover.]

In less contentious news – although let’s pause to note that, after the constraints of a global pandemic have opened one’s eyes to more of What’s Really Important In This World, it’s difficult to unsee that vision, isn’t it? – in, we say, less contentious news:

DipDipDip Ice Cream on Burnet (near Tatsu Aikawa’s acclaimed shabu-shabu emporium, yes) is bringing back their original sundae creations. (Oh! Sum Yum Yuzu! Shroom of Doom!) Savory sandwiches will no longer be available from the pop-up, but sweet treats like their ice cream taco in panko-fried brioche bun, boozy milkshakes, and assorted ice cream pints (with flavors like hojicha + burnt orange or cookies-and-matcha) await your order via QR code or at the service window …

Word to your mother: Brewing the American Dream is a philanthropic program from Boston-based beermongers Samuel Adams, and right now moms are who will benefit most. Sam Adams will provide business training – in graphic design, accounting, legal matters, marketing, distribution, etc. – and more to 50 moms across the country. (Note: That “more” includes $500 for childcare or groceries, a three-month coffee subscription to City Girl Coffee, and other helpful perks.) Interested moms are encouraged to complete the application via Brewing the American Dream’s Facebook or Instagram pages by Sunday, May 23 …

Jack Allen’s Kitchen and 71 Painted Wines have partnered up for a good cause, with a dollar from every glass of that delicious local wine sold going to the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation. That’s through May 31 at any JAK location – or at their seafood-forward Salt Traders venues, too – and, after that, you know Carl & Deanna Miller’s Chunky Queso on the JAK menu activates the same LSPF benefit, right? That’s another yes, spelled c-h-e-e-s-e …

It's still sad that Donkey Mo's shuttered their place inside H Mart, but look: The fried-chicken king's sister store, Jjim Korean Braised BBQ in the Lamar Union, will be serving "Donkey Wings" with the same Korean Fried Chicken Wing recipe as Mo's used – now with a special gochujang sauce – while that Mo searches for a new location …

And this next item isn't a new location – they're rather a Hill Country classic by this time – but, after so many months of sheltering at home, it'll feel like a whole new experience to visit Treaty Oak Distilling again, won't it? And, on Saturday, May 29, that enjoyable spread of reclaimed ranchland and whiskeymongering will celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with a Smoke & Mash BBQ Celebration, and you're invited …

Now y’all stay safe out there, eat as well and tip as big as you can, and choose love over hate every time, OK?