Barley Swine, Bufalina, Lick to headline shopping center rebirth

Gary Dinges | American-Statesman Staff
Source: American-Statesman

Three of city’s hottest e::iteries to bring new life to Burnet Road site.

A tired 1970s-era shopping center on Burnet Road is getting a fresh new look as it prepares to welcome three of the city’s trendiest restaurants.

Austin-based Endeavor Real Estate Group, which owns the vacant center at 6555 Burnet Road, told the American-Statesman it has signed leases with Barley Swine, Bufalina Due and Lick Honest Ice Creams.

“We’re thrilled all three concepts will be a part of our center, as we’ve been able to align ourselves with immensely talented and creative restaurateurs,” Endeavor principal Billy Osherow said. “These guys are best-in-class in every way.

All three of the restaurants Endeavor has signed for the project have received considerable local and national attention, as well as awards aplenty.

Barley Swine was named GQ magazine’s best new restaurant in 2012, Travel • Leisure called Lick one of the nation’s best ice cream shops and Bufalina made Food Network’s list of 10 best pizzas.

The new Lick location could open as soon as early May, its founders said, with Barley Swine aiming for late summer or early fall and Bufalina Due targeting a fall debut.

The restaurants all got their start in South Austin and have been looking to add locations in North Austin, Osherow said.

“The area surrounding this property has become an ‘it’ spot over the past few years, which is why Endeavor has bought three properties within a couple of miles of each other,” Osherow said.

Endeavor’s other properties in the area are the building at 4729 Burnet Road that houses Pinthouse Pizza and one at 5520 Burnet Road that’s home to Peached Tortilla and Taco Flats.

“Burnet Road’s culinary stature continues to go up as revitalization occurs throughout the corridor,” said Endeavor Vice President Michele Gary.

“This unparalleled lineup is sure to create a new foodie center in North Central Austin.”

Barley Swine, Bufalina Due and Lick Honest Ice Creams will occupy about half of the 14,232-square­foot shopping center, Endeavor said, with leasing efforts underway to fill the remaining space.

It’s unlikely any additional restaurants will join the tenant mix, Osherow said.

“We hope to round out the building with top-tier retailers in the home furnishings, home accessories, boutique, salon or similar categories,” he said.

Endeavor has seen quite a bit of growth lately, adding staff and taking on additional projects throughout the region, including the redevelopment of the Springtown shopping center in San Marcos.