Austin, September 9, 2025
News Summary
Austin is gearing up for the 3rd Annual Legacy Business Month, organized by Preservation Austin. This initiative, running throughout October, aims to support local businesses that have been community staples for over 20 years. Participants can engage in a passport program to win exciting prizes while visiting designated legacy businesses. The kickoff event on October 2 will feature limited-edition beers and provide passport cards for locals to join the initiative. The City Council has officially declared October as Legacy Business Month, reflecting the importance of these businesses in preserving Austin’s unique character.
Austin is gearing up for the 3rd Annual Legacy Business Month, orchestrated by Preservation Austin, which will take place from October 1 to 31. This initiative aims to spotlight and support local businesses that have been a cornerstone of the community for over 20 years.
During the month-long event, participants can engage in a special passport program that encourages them to visit at least 10 designated legacy businesses. Those who complete the challenge will be eligible for a range of exciting prizes, including music passes for SXSW, spa experiences at Ottine Mineral Springs, gift cards, and promotional merchandise from the participating businesses.
Locals interested in joining the initiative can collect their passport cards at the Wheatsville Co-op locations, or they can grab one at the Zilker Taproom during the kickoff event on October 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. As an added highlight, attendees at the kickoff will have the opportunity to enjoy a limited-edition Legacy Business Month beer.
The criteria for businesses to qualify as legacy entities include being locally owned and operated, family-owned for generations, maintaining operations at the same location for 20 years or more, and contributing significantly to the history or character of the area. This year’s list will showcase a mix of well-renowned and niche businesses in the Austin area.
Notably, the month of October has been officially proclaimed Legacy Business Month by the City Council for the year 2023. Preservation Austin is motivated by existing models in cities like San Antonio and San Francisco, which have successfully celebrated their legacy businesses.
Lindsey Derrington, the executive director of Preservation Austin, highlighted the vital role that legacy businesses play in preserving the unique character of Austin. Several well-known local businesses have undergone notable changes recently. For instance, Room Service vintage has changed ownership, while Antone’s has been proudly celebrating its five decades of blues heritage. Additionally, Sam’s BBQ has temporarily closed due to pressures arising from neighborhood development, although its sibling establishment, the Austin Daiquiri Factory, which shares the same building, has assured patrons that the closure will be temporary.
Austin residents are encouraged to rally behind these enduring businesses, which are considered essential to the community’s identity. The Legacy Business Month initiative aspires to cultivate ongoing support for these local establishments, extending beyond just the month of October.
Key Features of Legacy Business Month
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration | October 1-31, 2023 |
| Passport Program | Visit 10 designated legacy businesses to collect stamps and win prizes |
| Prizes | SXSW music passes, spa experiences, gift cards, merchandise |
| Kickoff Event | October 2, Zilker Taproom, 6-9 pm |
| Criteria for Legacy Businesses | Locally owned, family-owned for generations, same location for 20+ years, historical contribution |
| City Council Proclamation | October 2023 officially declared as Legacy Business Month |
FAQ Section
What is Legacy Business Month?
Legacy Business Month is an initiative to support and highlight local businesses in Austin that have been in operation for 20 years or more.
When does the event take place?
The event runs from October 1 to October 31, 2023.
How can I participate in the passport program?
You can collect a passport card at Wheatsville Co-op locations or at the Zilker Taproom during the kickoff event on October 2. Then, visit 10 designated legacy businesses to collect stamps.
What prizes are available for participants?
Prizes include SXSW music passes, spa experiences, gift cards, and merchandise from participating businesses.
What qualifies a business as a legacy business?
A legacy business must be locally owned, family-owned for generations, must have operated at the same location for 20 years or more, and should contribute to the area’s history or identity.
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Additional Resources
- CultureMap Austin
- Wikipedia: Austin
- MSN Money
- Google Search: Legacy Businesses Austin
- Community Impact
- Google Scholar: Preservation Austin
- The Daily Texan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Legacy Business
- Community Impact San Marcos
- Google News: Legacy Business Month Austin
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
