The restaurant business has always been a cutthroat game, but the pace of change in Austin lately suggests new levels of pressure for local operators. Recent closures — ranging from a long-standing institution to a foodie’s paradise to a chain — are raising red flags about the health of the dining ecosystem.
1. Sam’s Bar‑B‑Que & Austin Daiquiri Factory
Sam’s has been in Austin since 1957, making it one of the oldest barbecue joints in the state.
The announcement came seemingly without advance warning on August 28…