AUSTIN, Texas -- Snack Bar on South Congress has grown into a popular spot over the years - from the can’t-miss sign out front to the food inside.
- Drinks and food will come from Texas-based providers
- Construction has proven difficult
- 1 owner diagnosed with breast cancer
When the property went up for sale the restaurant went down, and that ending created a new beginning for the owners.
“We are moving on to Bobo’s Snack Bar,” owner Bethany Andrée said. “We want it to be a catalyst for other Austin and Texas producers.”
For Andrée, who runs the business with her husband, the idea is simple. It’s to have a bar that serves snacks. The drinks and the food will all come from Texas-based providers. Before that can happen, construction of the actual location (which is located on the corner of Airport Blvd and 38 ½ St.) has to be finished and that’s proven difficult for many different reasons.
One reason being some life-altering news that Andrée received right at the time they signed the lease on the property.
“Unfortunately that week I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” Andrée explained. “I’m OK, I didn’t have to have chemo. I had surgery and radiation but it took a lot of time and energy and a lot of money actually.”
To help offset costs, Andrée is doing a lot of the heavy lifting on the project. She designed the plans for the location and is very hands-on in the construction efforts.
She also recently launched a GoFundMe page seeking support from the community. That was taken down because she was offering gift cards to the bar for those who donated. She is currently seeking a new way to help raise funds.
There is no date set for the doors to open at Bobo’s but Andrée dreams of that day.
“It’s going to be a great day when we open but I will never forget this time that it’s taken and all the hurdles,” Andrée said.