When Julie and I started work on our survey of resident dining habits so long ago, it never occurred to me that a separate project was underway by two very successful Austin restauranteurs to open the very restaurant Steiner Ranch seeks. That survey, of nearly 1,000 residents, reported that among the top 10 things desired by those living here are an American Bistro (#2), a great breakfast place (#3), healthy salads (#6), and exceptional burgers (#7). Rounding out the top 10 were Italian, Mexican, Seafood, Brewery, a Deli, or a Cafe. Imagine my excitement when one of the owners came to me with an ambitious plan to bring to Steiner Ranch those 4 key ingredients residents most desire.
The owners of the likely named Zack’s American Bistro, come from a long line of successful Austin restaurants (which we’ll reveal when they’re ready to make the announcements that change their careers). As they looked to Steiner Ranch, they recognized the same opportunity on the tip of each of our tongues; that Steiner is home to an extensive population with a demand for quality, healthy choices, reasonable prices, great atmosphere, and a setting for families and kids. Indeed, our restaurant survey revealed that the most desired feature in an area restaurant in a place for kids to play. Imagine the serendipity when news of Suelo Nuevo broke.
Zack’s American Bistro
How Zack's Stacks up Against Steiner's Wish List
Not yet set in stone for the Suelo Nuevo location, let me paint a picture of what’s being considered to give you a vision of what’s in store. First, imagine a venue like none other in Steiner Ranch; the plan is to gut the property and start with a clean slate. Zack’s is a restaurant of the community and while I’m not privy to the final design details I expect that means something uniquely Austin and Steiner Ranch; quirky yet comfortable, home for groups, families, and friends at the bar. The bar and open kitchen, with a brick pizza oven, means Zack’s will be place to enjoy for adults, a destination for kids, and a reprieve for parents!
I’ve seen the menu and it’s extensive and refreshing, serving the diversity of the community as well as the atmosphere they have in mind. Think of it as having the healthier options we all crave with a touch of what we love. From salads to burgers, entrees to unique appetizers, a kids menu to cater to the diverse palate of a 4 year old, pizza from an open brick oven, and desserts as delectable as only could come from storied restauranteurs. Zack’s will be open for lunch and dinner throughout the week and welcome the breakfast crowd on weekends (extending into the week with demand).
Every parent in town knows what greets us outside of the Suelo Nuevo property today; Zack’s intends to redo that, with families in mind. From the field that needs to be repaired to the deck that could be better designed for diners, Zack’s is going to remodel everything it can with the play place the epicenter of the outdoor experience. Opening Zack’s with the playscape there now is insufficient to the owners, expect it to be removed, redesigned, and rebuilt, bigger and better than before.
In my talks with the community, groups throughout Four Points are looking forward to calling Zack’s home to meetings, meetups, and luncheons. As updates continue to come in and your support continues to grow, we’re going to have much to excite us.
“Not Yet Set in Stone”?
The resources, capital, and plans for Zack’s are coming together very quickly. With some investors coming together and the bootstraps of the owners, Zack’s should open around the first of May. But, at this point, no more of the details can be shared, from the names of the owners to confirmation that Suelo is actually where Zack’s will renovate; we’re waiting on some things. That said, plans are moving forward and your support is needed!
Crowd-funding a Restaurant
Now, in complete disclosure, the restaurant isn’t entirely Steiner resident funded; indeed, the owners do call Steiner Ranch home. They already have some traditional investment from both within and beyond Steiner Ranch. What we’re doing here is turning to Steiner Ranch to help build what Steiner Ranch wants.
Zack’s is pre-selling gift certificates and sponsorships to help enhance what’s being cooked
Click here to learn how to help
Crowd-funding turns to the community to build support for something. It could be anything, from a local band funding their first album to your business raising some capital for new office furniture, crowd funding rewards the community for helping a business raise money now. In this case, a restaurant, already in progress but for which we need some more capital to really finish off what Zack’s hopes to bring to Steiner Ranch. With your help, we’ll be renovating the property and opening the restaurant residents will love.
Supporting Zack’s American Bistro
If you eat out, ever, you’re in a position to help now. You can’t go wrong as crowd-funding is incredibly simple and it isn’t a donation or investment. No one is looking for a hand out. For a $250 contribution you get $250 in gift certificates to use at Zack’s. Pay for a couple dinners you’ll have there anyway now and we’re a step closer to renovating that patio. Here’s a taste of how you can help:
- For only $50 you get $25 in gift certificates and a Zack’s t-shirt
- Get your name on the wall and $400 in certificates for $500
- Name your own Burger for $5000 (come on dentists!)
- $5000 also gets you a private, pre-opening party with friends (entrepreneurs step up!)
- $15,000 makes the playscape happen in your name (realtors should own this!)
Many other options are available to serve the contribution that’s right for you and rest assured, if Zack’s doesn’t open, the contributions are returned. Bottom line is that every one should be able to do something to help bring a great new Austin restaurant to Steiner Ranch. Click here to get started and when you’re done, follow Zack’s on Facebook and Twitter.
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