New to Austin, December 2009

New Austin Development

Walmart @ Northcross (AAS, 12/3/09) to finally start construction.

21c Museum Hotel (AAS, 12/4/09) revised plans for the Waller Creek project to include a 31 story apartment tower, and a 13 story 250 room hotel with a modern art museum.

Upscale 27 room Hyatt Place (AAS, 12/11/09) planned for downtown once economy turns around.

University Park (AAS, 12/18/09) development at former site of Concordia Lutheran  will add a movie theater and apartment complex.

New Office / Retail / Condo (27-28 story) high rise (AAS, 12/19/09) proposed next to Whole Foods downtown.

North Austin planned community (ABJ, 12/23/09) commences residential lots that will contain homes to be sold for the high $100’s to high $200’s.

New Austin Business

True Games Interactive (AAS, 12/10/09) plans to move its video game company headquarters from California to Austin.

New Business Expansion

Gowalla (AAS, 12/10/09) raises $8.4 million to expand in Austin.

New Restaurant Openings

Red’s Porch (AAS, 12/2/09)  a restaurant billing itself as ‘half Cajun, half Tex-Mex, half Southern’ at 3508 South Lamar Blvd. 440-7337.

Twenty Four (AAS, 12/2/09)  an around-the-clock diner specializing in chef-driven Southern comfort food at 600 N. Lamar Blvd.

Torchy’s Tacos (AAS, 12/2/09) at 4301 William Cannon Drive. 514-0767.

Izumi (AAS, 12/2/09) a West Lake Hills sushi restaurant and grill at 701 S. Capital of Texas Highway (Loop 360), No. 550. 328-3333.

Frank’s Franks (AAS, 12/2/09) a hot dog stand at 815 Main St., Bastrop. 512-788-5362.

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (AAS, 12/15/09) the third Austin location of the California-based coffeeshop at 1000 E. 41st St., Suite 180. 351-8676.

Pearce Cafe (AAS, 12/15/09) a Thai restaurant at 17097 Pearce Lane. 247-9612.

Restaurants Coming Soon

Antonelli’s Cheese Shop (AAS, 12/2/09) a specialty cheese shop at 4220 Duval St. Owners Kendall and John Antonelli hope to open the store by late January 2010. www.antonellischeese.com

True Games Interactive (AAS, 12/10/09) plans to move its video game company headquarters from California to Austin.

Wing Zone (ABJ, 12/11/09) to expand by 10 in Austin / San Antonio area.

New Austin airport restaurants (ABJ, 12/17/09) include Thundercloud Subs, Ruta Maya Coffee, Nuevo Leon, SoCo Market, Saxon Pub, The Tavern and the Hills Cafe are among the possible newcomers.