The Biggest Austin Restaurant News Stories of 2017

If 2017 taught us anything, it’s that bad behavior will no longer go unnoticed, and the same was true in Austin restaurant news. The most-read story of the year involved the owner of circus-themed Rainey Street bar Unbarlievable getting called out for racist comments online. Exciting new restaurants —from a celebrity-owned brewery to a new massive Asian supermarket—and Franklin Barbecue’s alarming closure also caught the eye of Eater Austin readers this year.

Here are the 10 most-read stories of the year (excluding maps and guides) on Eater Austin of 2017:

1. Rainey Street Bar Unbarlievable Is Under Fire for Racist Comments

Unbarlievable owner Brandon Cash responded to unfavorable comments on Facebook, Yelp, and Google with racist and crude language, prompting outrage and protests. Cash was apparently ousted from his affiliation with adult bowling alley The Goodnight, but Unbarlievable still stands.

2. ‘Supernatural’ Star Jensen Ackles Is Opening a Texas Brewery

The actor and his family announced plans to open a brewery, Family Business Brewing Co., in Dripping Springs, which is still under construction. The head brewer is Nate Seale, formerly of (512) Brewing Company.

3. Massive Korean Supermarket H Mart Lands in Austin

The popular Asian grocery store chain H Mart has since announced an opening date in January and the food court lineup, which looks amazing, featuring Korean fried chicken and barbecue from noted San Francisco chef Deuki Hong.

4. Franklin Barbecue Caught on Fire

The Austin institution was put out of commission in late August thanks to a stray ember, and closed for three months. It thankfully reopened last month, just before Thanksgiving.

5. Inside Ramen Tatsu-Ya’s Funky Texas Izakaya, Opening This Week

Take a look back at Kemuri Tatsu-ya's beginnings, before the national accolades started rolling in.

6. NBA Star Leaves $14 Tip After Spending $487 in an Austin Bar

Oklahoma City Thunder basketball player Andre Roberson’s 2.8% tip stirred the ire of the internet, especially considering his recent contract for $30 million.

7. Austin Restaurants Closed Today for Hurricane Harvey

Though Austin did not suffer catastrophic damages like Houston, the record-breaking hurricane’s effects were felt all throughout Texas. After the storm, the city banded together to raise money for repair efforts.

8. Biderman’s Jewish-Style Deli Opens in Far West With Sandwiches and Soups

Bagel news is important news. Biderman’s Deli quickly became a neighborhood go-to with classic sandwiches, soups, coffee, and sweet sweet carbs.

9. Jester King Brewery Pulls Out of Beer Collaboration With Wicked Weed

After the North Carolina brewery was bought by the Anheuser-Busch conglomerate, Jester King decided to cancel a planned collaboration on principle.

10. Asti Suspends Lunch After Employees Leave In Light of Immigration Raids

After two women in charge of lunch left the restaurant over fears of ICE raids, the owner of the Hyde Park Italian restaurant had to suspend the service while searching for replacements.