A Tale of Two Malls

The two most recent mall openings in Austin have taken an extremely different approach with regard to restaurants.

The Domain at Braker and Mopac hit the ground running with a stable of nationally recognized high-end restaurants. McCormick and Schmick’s, North, Joe DiMaggio’s, Kona Grill and Jaspers’s and California Pizza Kitchen all opened within a few months of the mall’s opening. I could not help but reflect on the synergy that this provided for the Domain and its upscale shoppers. Thus far, the stars of the show in my opinion are the upbeat Italian-themed North, Jasper’s (from Dallas) and the uber-fresh seafood emporium McCormick’s and Schmick’s. Joe DiMaggio’s still has a way to go as does Kona Grill. And unfortunately, Oakville Grocery has closed. As far as California Pizza kitchen goes, well, you know my feelings about pizzas with chicken, sprouts, avocado and pineapples. But all in all, I think the Domain had pretty good timing with regard to its opening and the openings of all the restaurants.

The Hill Country Galleria at Highways 620 and 71 in the town of Bee Cave in southwest Austin opened somewhat later than the Domain but with virtually no restaurant presence at all save a few coffee shops. And its sister mall across the street which houses retail giants like Lowe’s, World Market, and other large stores also opened with virtually no food service at all. Bad move if you ask me.

But things are finally beginning to fill in. Galleria opened with a Mimi’s Café, a medium-end chain that seems to be pretty much packed all the time. After dining there, I can’t really see why. But then again, Cheddar’s draws a crowd as well. The first really decent restaurant, the locally owned and operated Blue Bamboo opened in late ’07 at the Shops Parkway Mall across the street. And then the very tasty Panera Bread shop opened at the Hill Country Galleria along with Fish City Grill, a pretty good chain out of Dallas.

And finally, we’re beginning to see some local names on the directory. Two of my favorite comfort food joints, Waterloo Ice House and Little Woodrow’s, have just opened at Shops Parkway Mall. And at the Galleria, local favorite Iron Cactus will open in late September. Also coming in next to the cinema will be Tony C’s pizza, owned by the folks that brought you Ciola’s in Lakeway. And Phoenix Pai’s Tokyo Steakhouse in Round Rock at the La Frontera mall will open next year at the Galleria.

I think the malls out in Bee Cave could have used a bit more advance planning. You can’t open all that retail space without providing people with some reliable places to eat. It’s filling in now, yes, but it was a hungry first year for a lot of shoppers!