In the off-with-my-head department, sincere apologies to
Duke and Kathy Bischoff, who wrote to remind me that their
BBQ World Headquarters restaurant spent more than six years at the Burnet Road Farmers' Market. My memory of the outlet there as more of a commissary kitchen for their successful catering business was evidently mistaken... And speaking of more restaurant transitions in that area of town,
Frisco Shop (5819 Burnet Rd., 459-6279) owners
Harry and
Julia Akin and
Lawrence Baker have partnered with local radio personality
Bob Cole and business partner
Stan Miller to save the beloved local landmark. Loyal customers in the Allandale and Crestview neighborhoods have been fretting about the fate of the eatery since news got out that
Walgreens was purchasing the property at the corner of Burnet Road and Koenig. Fret no more – the Frisco is scheduled to move to the former
Curra's Grill location (6801 Burnet Rd.), just 10 blocks north of the original restaurant, sometime in early 2008. "Everything has worked out so well," reports a happy Julia Akin. "Walgreens has given us all the time we need to relocate. We felt that the day-to-day operations would be in good hands because Bob and Stan already have experience with saving historic Austin restaurants (Hill's Cafe and the Tavern). Our loyal staff members will all keep their jobs, and the customers who have supported us for so long will be happy that we're staying in the neighborhood."... There were plenty of interesting responses to a recent news item about the opening of the
Kitchen Space (1204 Cedar Ave., 535-5137;
www.thekitchenspace.com), with commercial kitchens for rent.
Dipak Topiwala, general manager of the
Whip In, (1950 S. I-35, 442-5337) e-mailed with the news that they are installing a small, commercial, commissary kitchen at the popular South Austin convenience/liquor store. It seems they've already had several inquiries from artisan-food makers looking to rent space. We also heard from late-night Sixth Street food vendor
Jon Notarthomas, proprietor of the
Best Wurst. He and a group of local food artisans have plans to develop a 5,250-square-foot warehouse space on Radam Lane into a commercial kitchen to house their growing food businesses. One of the planned partners in the deal has recently pulled out, and now the group is looking for one more operator to join the project. Interested parties can contact Notarthomas at 636-3217 or
muleemusic@yahoo.com... Considering turning over the cooking to someone else this Thanksgiving?
Dagar's Catering (719-5524,
www.dagarscatering.com) would love to help. Their Turkey-to-Go Feast feeds 10 people presliced roasted turkey with all the trimmings, rolls, and dessert for $99.99 plus tax. Orders must be placed by Nov. 15 and picked up at 834 W. Kramer by 5pm, Nov. 21. And if you're planning to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner in a local restaurant or hotel dining room, make those reservations early, and be sure to check current prices.