South Congress Avenue has seen a number of business changes in recent years, with longtime local establishments closing or moving as new retailers open along the Austin corridor.
Taste of Ethiopia, which has served Ethiopian food and culture on South Congress for 12 years, is the latest longtime business preparing to leave. The owners said the restaurant's lease expires Sept. 30 and they have decided not to renew it, citing the rising cost of operating in the area.
Taste of Ethiopia joins several other longtime businesses that have recently left South Congress.
Vespaio, Chapulin Cantina, Prototype Vintage and Tiny Grocer have closed their South Congress locations this year. Monkey See Monkey Do closed its storefront after 20 years and moved to a new location off South Lamar Boulevard.
Other businesses have left the corridor in previous years. Maya Star closed in 2023 after nearly 30 years on South Congress.
In 2022, Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds, a costume shop that had operated on South Congress since 1984, closed its doors. The space was later occupied by Swiss sportswear company On.
That same year, Tesoros Trading Company announced it was retiring after 33 years on South Congress. A Tecovas store now occupies its former location.
At the same time, national and international retailers have expanded their presence along the corridor.
Hermès opened on South Congress in 2022. French fashion brand Sézane has set up shop, while Birkenstock and bootmaker Lucchese are among the retailers joining the area.
The former Vespaio and Chapulin Cantina spaces at 1612 S. Congress Ave. are also slated for new retail tenants. Property owners announced Wrangler, Alberta Boot Company, Cody & Sioux and Astrid & Miyu for the site.
The changes have drawn different reactions from people who visit and live in Austin.
Paul Cefratti, who moved away from Austin in 2022 and has since returned for work, said he has noticed significant changes since his return. He believes it's just part of being a growing city.
"It kind of is the epitome of Austin, I think, is that it continues to change right now," Cefratti said. "No matter when you come here, whether you come, you know, this year or came 20 years ago, Austin is always going to be changing."
Hannah Richardson said South Congress is a place she typically visits when friends and family come to town. She said the changing mix of businesses has made her less likely to include the area in those visits.
"You can see the Hermes and Alo, you know, all the new stuff kind of come in, which is great," Richardson said. "But I can find that at a shopping mall. I thought perhaps South Congress had a little bit more character."
The changes on South Congress come as Austin continues to grow and businesses across the city face changing costs and market conditions.
What the corridor looks like in the years ahead will depend on which businesses can afford to stay, and what kinds of businesses are willing to move in.