Austin, January 15, 2026
South Austin is seeing a surge of new businesses with recent openings in culinary and fitness industries. Notable establishments include High Road DelicaTexan and Life Time, which enhance the local economy and community engagement. While exciting new ventures emerge, longstanding favorites like Vespaio Restaurant and Chapulín Cantina are closing, highlighting the dynamic nature of the local business scene. Overall, this growth showcases the entrepreneurial spirit and resilience in South Austin, encouraging residents to explore and support their local businesses.
New Businesses Flourish in South Austin: A Community Overview
Exploring recent openings and changes in the vibrant South Austin business scene
Austin, Texas—The business landscape in South Austin is buzzing with activity as several new establishments have opened their doors recently, bringing a mix of culinary delights and fitness options to the community. From all-day cafés to Tex-Mex restaurants, these new businesses are poised to enrich local culture and contribute to the economy. Furthermore, the resilience of local entrepreneurs in the face of challenges lays a solid foundation for supporting economic growth.
The recent expansion of South Austin is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit thriving in Texas. The unique atmosphere and culture of this part of the city make it an attractive destination for new businesses to take root. As fewer regulatory hurdles allow for smoother operations, this influx of startups could further invigorate economic activity and community engagement.
New Openings
High Road DelicaTexan
Opening its doors on December 12, 2025, at 915 W. Mary St., High Road DelicaTexan is a multifaceted establishment including an all-day café, deli, market, and cocktail bar. The venture boasts a talented team led by chef Russell Dougherty, salumist Ryan Wilson, and beverage director Chadwick Leger, all recognized for their work with The Cavalier.
Life Time
Athletic enthusiasts now have a brand new destination with Life Time, which opened on December 31, 2025, at 1301 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 100. Offering an expansive range of fitness facilities, classes, a full bar, and a restaurant, this marks Life Time’s fifth location in Austin, catering to a growing health-conscious community.
De Nada Cantina
In early to mid-January 2026, De Nada Cantina is set to open a second location at 1302 S. First St. This popular Tex-Mex restaurant, known for its delicious tacos and refreshing margaritas, will take over the space previously occupied by El Mercado, promising to attract both loyal fans and new customers alike.
Upcoming Openings
Very Cherry Vintage
Another exciting addition to the area, Very Cherry Vintage, is planning to open its storefront in March 2026 at 1628 S. First St., adjacent to Devil’s Details Boutique. Curated by Ashley Martin, this vintage shop showcases a unique collection that had previously been available at Effie Vintage, which closed in December 2023.
Closures
Vespaio Restaurant
On a bittersweet note, the beloved Vespaio Restaurant, a staple in the community since 1998, has announced its closure. This Italian eatery has long been known for its homemade dishes, including pasta and other classic offerings.
Chapulín Cantina
Joining Vespaio in closure is Chapulín Cantina, which is set to shut its doors by the end of February 2026. As the sister restaurant to Vespaio, Chapulín offered a diverse menu featuring traditional Mexican fare, capturing the hearts of many locals.
Conclusion
As new businesses set up shop in South Austin, the community stands to benefit from a tantalizing array of dining and fitness options, while the closures remind us of the ever-evolving nature of the business environment. Encouraging the growth of such establishments not only supports local entrepreneurs but also nurtures economic vitality and community spirit. Residents and visitors alike are invited to explore the new offerings and support local businesses as they adapt and thrive in this bustling neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is High Road DelicaTexan?
- High Road DelicaTexan is an all-day café, deli, market, and cocktail bar that opened on December 12, 2025, at 915 W. Mary St. It is led by chef Russell Dougherty, salumist Ryan Wilson, and beverage director Chadwick Leger, the team behind The Cavalier.
- When did Life Time open in South Austin?
- Life Time, an athletic club offering fitness areas, classes, a full bar, social lounge, restaurant, and a wet suite, opened on December 31, 2025, at 1301 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 100. It is Life Time’s fifth location in Austin.
- What is De Nada Cantina?
- De Nada Cantina is a Tex-Mex restaurant known for its tacos and margaritas. A second location is set to open in early to mid-January 2026 at 1302 S. First St., taking over the former El Mercado restaurant space.
- When is Very Cherry Vintage opening?
- Very Cherry Vintage, a vintage shop curated by Ashley Martin, is opening its own storefront in March 2026 at 1628 S. First St., next to Devil’s Details Boutique. The business previously operated out of Effie Vintage off South Congress Avenue before the shop closed in December 2023.
- Which restaurants are closing in South Austin?
- Vespaio Restaurant, founded in 1998, announced its closure in a Facebook post, thanking its guests and team. The restaurant serves meals made from scratch, including spaghetti, ravioli, and scampi. Chapulín Cantina, the sister restaurant to Vespaio Restaurant, is closing its doors in late February, as stated in a Facebook post from the business. Its menu features botanas, tostadas, tacos, seafood options, tortas, moles, and more.
| Business Name | Type | Address | Opening Date | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Road DelicaTexan | All-day café, deli, market, and cocktail bar | 915 W. Mary St., Austin, TX | December 12, 2025 | Led by chef Russell Dougherty, salumist Ryan Wilson, and beverage director Chadwick Leger, the team behind The Cavalier. |
| Life Time | Athletic club | 1301 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 100, Austin, TX | December 31, 2025 | Offers fitness areas, classes, a full bar, social lounge, restaurant, and a wet suite. Fifth location in Austin. |
| De Nada Cantina | Tex-Mex restaurant | 1302 S. First St., Austin, TX | Early to mid-January 2026 | Second location of East Austin Tex-Mex staple, known for tacos and margaritas, taking over the former El Mercado restaurant space. |
| Very Cherry Vintage | Vintage shop | 1628 S. First St., Austin, TX | March 2026 | Curated by Ashley Martin, opening own storefront next to Devil’s Details Boutique. Previously operated out of Effie Vintage off South Congress Avenue before shop closed in December 2023. |
| Vespaio Restaurant | Italian restaurant | 1610 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX | February 28, 2026 | Founded in 1998, announced closure in Facebook post, thanking guests and team. Serves meals made from scratch, including spaghetti, ravioli, and scampi. |
| Chapulín Cantina | Mexican restaurant | 1610 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX | February 28, 2026 | Sister restaurant to Vespaio Restaurant, closing doors in late February. Menu features botanas, tostadas, tacos, seafood options, tortas, moles, and more. |
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