Turns Out Beloved Campus Burger Joint Players Isn’t Coming Back to Zilker Park

Players, the shuttered iconic campus burger restaurant, was originally slated to return in a limited form within Zilker Park. Unfortunately, that isn’t happening anymore according to Statesman, much to the dismay of burger fans.

It turns out the building where Players would’ve been located within the park was a complete mess, requiring a complete overhaul. That became too much for the Austin Parks and Recreation department, which then decided to not go ahead with the deal. Players co-owner Carlos Oliveira told Statesman, "We were disappointed."

Players would've taken over the folded Zilker Cafe on William Barton Drive, right near Barton Springs Pool, as announced last fall. If it had opened, the burger joint would’ve sold limited menu with burgers, fries, and smoothies.

Austin can still get a Players fix, if you enjoy golfing. The burger spot has setups at three golf courses: Jimmy Clay/Roy Kizer, Lions Municipal, and Morris Williams. The campus location closed after 33 years of slinging burgers. That building was demolished soon afterwards to make room for UT facilities.

• With closing of Zilker Café, search is on for snacks at Barton Springs [Statesman]
• Campus Burger Restaurant Players is Coming Back to Zilker [EATX]
• UT Students, Families, And Regulars Lined Up to Say Goodbye to Players [EATX]
• All Coverage of Players [EATX]