Austin and Ellis Winstanley: Building the Abel’s Franchise

It all began with a couple of UT college kids, fraternal twins Austin and Ellis Winstanley. They didn’t start out to be restaurateurs (Ellis wanted to go to the Naval Academy) but before either had turned 21, they owned Star Seeds Cafe off I-35 at 32nd. The place did an immediate financial turnaround, and then they started Cain and Abels on Campus. A fire at the 2nd restaurant slowed them down a bit, but soon, in additional to starting several printing companies, they were back acquiring restaurants.

Next up was the one that really brought the duo to my attention, and that was Abel’s on the Lake. Many restaurants had failed at that site including The Dam View, Jake’s on the Lake, El Dorado and several others. Even the dean emeritus of Austin dining Mike Young took a shot as the space and the Chuy’s king failed. So Austin and Ellis took over, and not unlike Jack Gillmore (Jack Allen’s Kitchen) they took a space that appeared doomed and made it into a going concern.

Next they purchased the iconic El Arroyo from Clay McPhail and then acquired The Tavern on North Lamar. Both acquisitions have gone quite well. Then after hearing owner Bob Cole lament over the problems at Hill’s Café, Austin and Ellis stepped in and rescued the long-time Austin favorite. They’ve had a few tense moments but thing are getting better.

The largest purchase the young group made came last fall when they bought the 28k square foot behemoth Cool River which had recently closed. They changed the menu to more of an Austin comfort food style, and have really emphasized special events and parties. The new name: Abel’s North Grill and Tap House. I tried lunch there and it was good and solid. Calamari, Jalapeno and Shrimp Diablo, a Turkey Club, and a seriously tasty apple cobbler. They’ve taken the large, formal dining room that was down the stairs to the right, and are going to turn that entire area into event space. Public dining will be to the left of the bar, and they’ve left plenty of room. The cigar lounge has also been deep-sixed which I think is a good idea. Thought it was underutilized in the past.

If you get the picture by now, the brothers have a sense of heritage. They like ventures that have some history. And their upcoming reopening of the old Artz Rib House will be the crowning jewel in their crown if they can pull it off. They’re in a bit of a tussle with the city right now (surprise, surprise!), but I suspect they’ll prevail. Not only do these guys know how to run restaurants, they understand business as well which is an extremely valuable commodity.

I’ll keep you posted on where Austin and Ellis will be headed next. But I have a sense it will be damned entertaining for the Austin dining public.