South Austin's culinary scene is experiencing a noteworthy change as Aviary Wine & Kitchen has shut its doors. Once a bustling wine bar and restaurant at 2110 S. Lamar Blvd., Aviary closed in mid-August, confirming the challenges faced by local eateries amid a fluctuating market and rising rents. Mike Smith, along with his partner Chris Ragland and their hospitality group Hearth and Counter, purchased the establishment in the summer of 2023 but have been unable to overcome the economic hurdles presented. Despite a hopeful outlook when taking over, Smith acknowledged the heavy financial burden inherited and other external pressures that forced the tough decision to cease operations, as stated in a release mentioned by FOX7 Austin.
Aviary's closure reflects a broader trend affecting Austin's dining establishment owners who are grappling with high operational costs and competitive commercial spaces, they're not alone; a nearby popular eatery also closed recently despite attracting large crowds, further emphasizing the precarious position of local food joints, this according to Smith's statement obtained by Austin American Statesman. Smith is presently concentrating on establishing payment plans to address financial commitments owed to employees, vendors, and creditors. The legacy of Aviary, which started as a furniture store in 2006 before evolving into a wine-centric dining spot in 2017, will leave its mark on the community. Under the ownership of Marco Fiorilo and John Coronado, and later Hearth and Counter, it grew to be known for its quality wines and bites.
Among those who contributed significantly to Aviary's identity was Alex Bell, the wine director who had been with the team since 2016 and saw his work as a "love letter to this incredible city we call home," according to a quote from Bell in an interview with Austin American Statesman. Bell, with an upcoming wine-paired dinner pop-up series, Midnight in the Garden, promises to keep sharing his passion for wine with Austinites. Chefs Zakk Pollard and Daniel Garr also remained from Aviary's earlier culinary team, with plans that include a fried chicken pop-up and a position at an omakase restaurant, respectively.
Aviary's departure mirrors a closure earlier in the month when Elementary, another South Lamar restaurant, shut down just after its first anniversary, further highlighting the precarious nature of the restaurant business in this part of Austin; despite this apparent trend, some entities like the neighboring wine bar Hopscotch are still holding on, as noted by Eater Austin. The recent series of restaurant shutters raises questions about the sustainability of the hospitality industry in rapidly evolving urban spaces, with rising costs and changing consumer patterns taking a toll on even the most popular and established places.
