Counter Culture plans for the future

After 12 years in East Austin, Counter Culture plans next moves

The outside of Counter Culture on East Cesar Chavez

After almost 12 years on East Cesar Chavez Street, Counter Culture owner Sue Davis is hoping to move. | Photo by ATXtoday

Sue Davis has been running Counter Culture on East Cesar Chavez Street for more than a decade now. And in that time, she’s seen quite a bit of change.

When she moved in, her quaint, all-vegan restaurant was an anomaly in Austin. Many customers didn’t know what the word “vegan” meant. Her neighbors were a car wash and an abandoned building.

Now, she’s in the midst of a saturated “restaurant row.” She sees more DoorDash and Uber Eats orders than ever before. And on top of that, the impacts the COVID-19 pandemic had on her sales are still reverberating.

The change in the neighborhood is reaching a breaking point for Sue — with almost 12 years of paying rent on the east side behind her, she hopes to soon be able to buy her own space and move out.

Before we dig into it with Sue, let’s reflect on Counter Culture’s legacy in East Austin.

The inside of Counter Culture, as seen from the host stand — Counter Culture has been operating in East Austin for almost 12 years.

Let’s rewind

Sue began her food career by washing dishes in Los Angeles restaurants, eventually working her way into a role as a private chef.

“Every time I would come to Austin to visit, I realized the lack of vegan food here compared to Los Angeles or San Francisco,” she said. “I was like, ‘Well, if someone’s gonna do it, I’m invested here.’”

For her, vegan cooking is ever-changing and the possibilities of creating delicious food with plants is “endless.”

“People get intimidated that we’re vegan,” she said. “Really, it’s homemade comfort food.”

A close-up image of Counter Culture's Thanksgiving sandwich — The Thanksgiving sandwich will be available until the day before Thanksgiving.

Looking forward

This week, Counter Culture relaunched Monday services for a charity bingo night benefiting the Central Texas Pig Rescue, a sanctuary for abandoned and abused pigs. This coming Monday, proceeds will benefit Queertopia, an organization working to combat housing inequity.

Did you know Counter Culture diverts roughly 96% of waste from a landfill? Or that Sue Davis began her career as a fine arts photo printer? Click the button below to learn more about the East Austin staple.

DIG DEEP

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Wednesday, Nov. 9

Dogbreth | Wednesday, Nov. 9 | 8 p.m. | Mohawk Austin, 912 Red River St. | $14 | The Arizona-based band will be joined by David Israel, Space Tan, and Kali Yuga.
The Gipsy Kings | Wednesday, Nov. 9 | 8 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave. | $52.50+ | This flamenco-pop group has been selling albums and earning accolades for three decades.

Thursday, Nov. 10

Straight No Chaser | Thursday, Nov. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | ACL Live, 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd. | $12.50+ | This a capella group has sold more than 1.5 million concert tickets and 2 million albums.

Friday, Nov. 11

Creek Show 2022 | Friday, Nov. 11-Sunday, Nov. 20 | 6 p.m. | Moody Amphitheater, 1401 Trinity St. | Free | Wander through whimsical glowing art pieces at this annual downtown art show.
University of Texas Women’s Basketball vs. Louisiana | Friday, Nov. 11 | 7 p.m. | Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr. | $9+ | Cheer on the Longhorns as they face Louisiana.

Saturday, Nov. 12

Austin Powwow and American Indian Heritage Festival | Saturday, Nov. 12 | 9 a.m.-9 p.m. | Travis County Expo Center, 7311 Decker Ln. | $7+ | This 19th annual festival celebrating Native American heritage features traditional dance competitions, musical performances, and food.
Quentin Tarantino | Saturday, Nov. 12 | 8 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave. | $59.50+ | The lauded “Pulp Fiction” director will partake in an intimate conversation as part of a tour for his newest book, “Cinema Speculation.”

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

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How do you save big at Precision Camera & Video? Attend its biggest event of the year, of course. | Photo by Sara Strick

Have your eye on new camera equipment? You’ll want to check out Precision Camera & Video Winter Expo to snag the best deals of the year.

Happening this weekend on Fri., Nov. 11 and Sat. Nov. 12, attendees can take advantage of:

Exclusive in-store discounts at both Austin locations
No tax on major brands
Lumix G100 camera giveaway
Free photography classes
Doorbuster sales + mystery coupons

Bonus: $1,300 in Precision Camera gift cards will be given away each day.*

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Civic

Early voting turnout dropped statewide this year in comparison to the 2018 midterm elections. In Travis County, ~31% of registered voters hit the polls before Election Day, compared to 40% in 2018. Keep reading below for election results. 🗳 (Austin American-Statesman)
Several changes to Austin’s Land Development code — primarily regarding stormwater infrastructure, natural resource protection, and landscaping requirements — went into effect yesterday. Check out the full list of updates.

Biz

Elon Musk’s Boring Company called off plans to dig a pedestrian tunnel underneath railroad tracks in Kyle, due to the track owner’s disapproval. The project would have connected the Plum Creek neighborhood with the Kyle Crossing retail hub. (Austin Business Journal)

Announced

Austin artists Shinyribs, Matt the Electrician, and Buffalo Nichols will perform at this spring’s Old Settler’s Music Festival, in addition to UK-based Yola and Colorado band Big Richard. Get tickets now. 🎶

Coming Soon

China-based tea shop Happy Lemon is opening in North Austin this Sat., November 12. The restaurant is known for cheese teas (teas topped with salty, cheesy foam), boba teas, and fruity slushies. 🧋 (Eater Austin)

Development

A proposed 50-story residential tower could result in reconstruction and conservation of historic downtown storefronts, including the W.B. Smith Building at 316 Congress Ave. Learn more about the project, which still requires approval from the Historic Landmark Commission. 🏗 (Austin Business Journal)

Plan Ahead

Tickets for the Austin Gay Men’s Chorus’ annual winter show are available now. See “Slay Ride: An AGMC Holiday Concert” at First Baptist Church of Austin from Friday, Dec. 2-Sunday, Dec. 4. 🎄

Wellness

Did you know? BetterHelp is the world’s largest online therapy platform. Getting started is easy: Take a quick quiz and get matched with a licensed therapist within 48 hours. Join over 3.5 million others and sign up today for 25% off (read: save up to $75). 📲 *

The Word

ProCelinyl™, a brand-new molecule that is revolutionizing the hair loss industry. Not to split hairs here, but this molecule targets follicles directly to bring hair back into an active, vibrant state. Learn more.*

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Midterm election results 🗳

In addition to electing a new mayor, Austinites voted for city and school district propositions yesterday. | Photo by @armandososaa

The votes are in — well, some of them.

Yesterday, Austinites hit the polls to elect candidates for federal, statewide, and city offices, in addition to voting on city and school district propositions. While official totals are still being tallied, here are some results that have been called as of Tuesday night.

Texas Governor: Greg Abbott, Republican
U.S. Representative, District 35: Greg Casar, Democrat
U.S. Representative, District 37: Lloyd Doggett, Democrat
State Senator, District 14: Sarah Eckhardt, Democrat
State Representative, District 46: Sheryl Cole, Democrat
State Representative, District 49: Gina Hinojosa, Democrat

Click the button below to keep an eye on the full results as they’re announced.

CHECK RESULTS

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by London.

Editor’s pick: When it comes to early voting vs. voting on Election Day, I’m pretty solidly in the early voting camp. This year, I didn’t have to wait in line at all, giving me a little more time to pick up a celebratory coffee after hitting the polls. ☕️

Do you have any voting traditions? Let us know.

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Editorial: Laura Figi, London Gibson, Dayten Rose, Josh Kranzberg, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea, Victoria Bardega | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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