Classic pies at Happy Slice Pizza include the Margherita pizza ($25.99), which can be served on a gluten-free 14-inch crust. (Katlynn Fox/Community Impact)
The Austin area landed several new and rebranded restaurants recently, including a barbecue spot in North Austin, a comfort food destination in Leander and a bakery returning to West Campus, with more establishments on the way.
Impacts of the week
North Austin-based barbecue restaurant and food truck SLAB BBQ rebranded as Stack City BBQ in February. Pitmaster Mark Avalos is still with the business, a representative said. The restaurant sells barbecue sandwiches, sausage wraps and specialty items like nachos as well as brisket, chicken and other meats by the pound with four different sauce offerings.
- 9012 Research Blvd., Austin
Serving a mix of Texas comfort food and classic icehouse fare, the menu includes Southern Cajun dishes, Tex-Mex and house-made burgers. Guests can also expect staples like chicken fried steak, onion rings and fried pickles, along with frozen beverages and cold beers such as beeritas and frozen Jack and Coke.
- Opened late March
- 1412 Bright Lane, Leander
Texas French Bread is reopening a new brick-and-mortar bakery in the West Campus area this spring after its original storefront closed following a fire in 2022. The bakery serves breakfast and lunch sandwiches as well as assortments of fresh bread, sweets and pastries.
- Opening late April
- 2900 Rio Grande Blvd., Austin
A new Atomic Wings location will soon open up shop at Southbrook Station, serving 100% white meat, fresh, antibiotic and hormone-free chicken, according to its website. Patrons can choose from bone-in or boneless wings, tenders, grilled wings or chicken sandwiches. The wings spot also serves waffle fries, onion rings, jalapeno poppers and mozzarella sticks.
- Opening late May
- 144 South Brook Drive, Ste. 130, Leander
Dining feature
Co-owners Jason Carrier and Forrest Higdon opened Happy Slice Pizza in October, serving specialty pizzas, baked fornatas, salads and desserts. The dough is made with unbleached and unbromated flour, cellulose-free cheese and no artificial citric acid in the tomato sauce, with gluten and dairy-free options available…