Turnstile, the neighborhood bar tucked off 10025 Burnet Road in North Austin, has some new hands on the tap handles. The team behind Hold Out Brewing and Better Half has officially taken over the bar, but regulars will not be walking into a totally different spot anytime soon.
For now, the look and feel of Turnstile and its beer lineup are set to stay largely the same, and original owner Mark Harris is sticking around as operations manager. The new ownership plans to work on Hold Out beers on tap and bring in Better Half coffee and pastries, while gradually stretching food service beyond the current limited hours. Those changes are expected to roll out over the coming months rather than overnight.
As reported by CultureMap Austin, the change in ownership was announced via a press release that leans heavily on the idea of stewardship instead of a hard rebrand. The outlet notes that Turnstile opened in 2020 and quotes Harris saying, “This is a tremendous opportunity to carry on what Turnstile has created over the past six years and really grow the business.”
Who’s in the New Ownership
Hold Out partner Mark Stowe said Turnstile needed fresh expertise to get to the “next level,” and he is not going it alone. The ownership group also includes Brent “Schmitty” Sapstead and Matt Wright. CraftBeerAustin reports that the crew will fold in key personnel, including head brewer Hayden Winkler, executive chef Justin Rupp, and pastry chef Jammie Tijerina, to back up an expanded beer and food program.
What Will Change at Turnstile
On the customer side, the headline is simple: more Hold Out, more Better Half, and more hours to get the good stuff. Hold Out core beers, one-offs, and collaborations are expected to show up on Turnstile’s taps, while Better Half pastries and coffee are slated for the morning crowd. At the same time, many of Turnstile’s existing staples such as breakfast tacos, burgers, cocktails, and salads are set to remain in the mix.
CultureMap Austin notes that owners plan to expand food service so popular dishes are not locked into narrow time windows. For those tracking changes in real time, current hours and menus are posted on Turnstile for the latest updates.
Hold Out’s North Austin Play
For Hold Out, this move is its first foothold in North Austin and a chance to bring the group’s casual, beer-first style of hospitality north from its West 4th Street base. Hold Out Brewing highlights a focus on approachable beer and food, which suggests Turnstile is likely to stay a neighborhood hangout even as new programming and products arrive.
There is no firm timeline on major renovations or any full menu overhaul. The release and coverage indicate that changes will be gradual and that existing staff will remain on board during the transition. For new tap drops, pastry additions, and special events, keep an eye on Turnstile and Hold Out’s social channels.
