Looking back on 2025, I think we can all agree the year has been a mixed bag, to put it lightly. It does my heart good to reflect on all the joyous moments, which often get lost in the bigger picture. In terms of the Austin food scene, that means the evolution of Rison & Lotts, the official opening of Carnaless after months of false starts, the birth of upstart raw foods cafe Conscious Kitchen, and the overall growing availability of vegan food across mainstream restaurants. There’s so much to celebrate for plant-based food-lovers, now more than ever.
At the same time, it’s important to honor the fallen. We’ve lost some good ones along the way, punching gaping holes in the dining landscape that can’t be filled. The restaurant industry is never a kind nor gentle enterprise to endeavor; the least we can do is pay our respects to those who, despite grand plans and good intentions, came up short.
Cinnaholic
Trouble was afoot late in 2024 when Cinnaholic in the Arboretum was listed as “temporarily closed” on Google maps. That turned into a concrete and permanent closure by the time mid-January rolled around, without any word or warning. Though the chain is still thriving with over 70 bakeries operating at full steam across the United States and Canada, the nearest location is now roughly 100 miles away in College Station. Worth a road trip, but a considerable barrier to entry for anyone looking to get instant cinnamon roll gratification.
Milkyway Shakes
After narrowly escaping an untimely demise the previous year, the rising star of blended ice cream beverages flamed out suddenly and spectacularly in mid-July. Personally, this was devastating, as it was one of the OG trailers that made me fall in love with Austin on my very first visit. There’s still no one else around that makes a better milkshake, vegan or not, and I dare you to challenge me on that claim. Seriously though, please do; our options for frozen desserts here are melting away faster than the summer sun can reach peak intensity.
TarryTown Bar & Bistro + TarryTown Cafe
Barely a blip on the radar, these two adjoining spots filled the spaces vacated the previous year by The Beer Plant and Tellus Joe for barely enough time to register their (now defunct) websites. Plagued from the very beginning by a lack of communication, a scandal soon broke that they were serving non-vegan items, despite their claims of being 100% plant-based. Despite offers for help, they never recovered, snuffing out their own lights before angry former diners could dust off their pitchforks.
Possum Pizza
After threatening that the end was near in no uncertain terms for months, this retro trailer camped out at Vegan Nom Food Park made good on their word in September. No more creative pies topped with bacon mac and cheese or Philly cheesesteak. No more crispy popplers dunked in creamy ranch dressing. No more mozz sticks snarfed down at dusk, satisfying the need for nostalgic comfort food. The space left by their vacancy is both a gut punch and a slow burn. We knew it was coming, and yet, it’s still hard to believe it could really happen.
Koriente
Abruptly and without warning, Austinites woke up one morning in November to discover that Koriente had slipped away. A bastion of denizens downtown in search of healthy, balanced, and affordable meals, the inclusive pan-Asian menu made sure there was something for everyone at the table. The Rice Medallion Saute was a staple for almost 20 years, serving as lunch for office workers and late night meals for bar hoppers alike. Tofu was treated with respect here, a prime protein rather some sad alternative, enlightening many Obake Bowls, Bibimbap, and my personal favorite, the Shiitake Tofu. It’s hard to grapple with such an abrupt end to this legacy.
Rebel Cheese
Shark Tank winner Rebel Cheese shocked all of Texas by announcing the closure of the Austin cafe that started it all. World-renowned for their artisan cheeses that won over omnivores and staunch cheese-lovers without qualifications, the closure felt unthinkable to fans who watched the brand rise from a single counter to national acclaim. This classy yet casual bistro was like the savory version of an ice cream shop, allowing visitors to sample any and all of the funky, fermented wheels beckoning from behind the glass case. It’s not all bad news, at least: Rebel Cheese will continue on as a national retail brand while also maintaining their in-person hot spot in NYC’s Essex Market. The founders have promised that another 100% vegan eatery will take their place in Mueller, retaining a few beloved menu items from the original entrees, but it’ll be hard to fill that cheese-shaped hole in our hearts.
What will the next 12 months bring? More heartache? More innovation? Likely, if previous years are any indication, a fair amount of both. If we’re lucky, we’ll at least break even, with more delicious memories to keep us all going. Although no one person can save a doomed business, don’t forget that everyone plays a part. Support the one-offs, the mom and pops, the little guys following their dreams. In case you’re still looking for one, I think that alone would make a fine New Year’s resolution.
I love to support the little ones and sad when they go
It really is devastating to lose a business you loved, and especially when you consider the toll on the people behind it.
It’s said that if 100 restaurants open in a year, 90 will close within the first year, and 9 within the second. Not sure if it holds true, but it’s a tough business to survive and thrive in.
I fully believe it. It’s only gotten more difficult to start a business in recent years.
We have a similar problem in the Miami area. One season a restaurant opens and then by the next season it is gone. It’s hard to keep businesses going here in the off seasons.
Sadly, it’s the same everywhere across the country. It’s so incredibly difficult to open a business, especially in the restaurant industry. I have nothing but respect for those who still try.