Takeout Japanese Noodle Shop Ramen 512 Is Closing to Focus on Opening a Restaurant

Restaurant Shutter
Austin Japanese noodle shop Ramen 512 is shuttering its takeout-only restaurant in ghost kitchen hub Kitchen United Mix in the Wooten neighborhood. Its last day of service will be on Sunday, January 17. Owner and chef Vinh Thai always intended that the takeout venture was a temporary one. Now, he’s going to turn his attention to opening a physical restaurant, as he had planned on doing before the novel coronavirus pandemic. Last November, North Austin Korean restaurant Seoulju also closed down its takeout/delivery branch within Kitchen United.

Brewery Opening
Pinthouse Pizza’s fourth location —2201 East Ben White Boulevard in the McKinney neighborhood — is opening this week, as reported by Craft Beer Austin. Dubbed Pinthouse Brewing, the space features the brewery as well as a restaurant. The menu specifically not include pizza; rather, there are sandwiches, salads, and snacks.

Austin Chain Expansion
Austin-based burger chain P. Terry’s opened its first Pflugerville location as of Tuesday, January 5 on 18801 Farm to Market Road 685. This is its 20th overall location. Hours are from 7 a.m. to midnight weekdays and then 8 a.m. to midnight weekends.

Austin Restaurant’s Nonprofit Initiative
Fast-casual Asian fusion mini-chain Chi’lantro launched a “Locals Helping Locals’’ initiative, where the restaurant company partnered with local influencers who created bowl specials that will benefit nonprofits of their choosing. These include the Peached Tortilla owner and chef Eric Silverstein’s japchae noodles and spicy pork bowl benefitting Central Texas Food Bank, Amy Drohen of Sushi Girl ATX’s soy-glazed chicken bowl benefitting Austin Dog Rescue, and others. 10 percent of the proceeds from each sale will be given to the nonprofits. Pickup orders can be placed online, and these are available through Friday, January 22.

Anniversary Pizza Special
Neapolitan pizzeria the Backspace is celebrating its 10th anniversary by offering $10 margherita pies through Saturday, January 9. The special is available for takeout and dine-in at both of its locations (downtown, West Anderson Lane). There’s also an option to buy a pie for a healthcare worker.

Austin Restaurant Company Sales
K&N Management sold locally based fast-food chain Mighty Fine Burgers and the Austin-area locations of Rudy’s Country Store & Bar-B-Q to two different companies, as reported by Austin Business Journal. First, Mighty Fine was purchased by Austin-based company TC4 & Co., which runs Tony C’s Coal Fired Pizza and the League Kitchen and Tavern. Then, Rudy’s corporate parent company brought back the Austin-area locations. TC4 partners Tony Ciola and Creed Ford IV are thinking about expanding the burger chain in Austin and Houston. Over the summer, K&N faced criticism for controversial posts that appeared to have been shared by co-owner Brian Nolen’s wife, Trina Nolen Schaff.

Vegan Ice Cream Collaboration
Austin vegan ice cream shop Sweet Ritual is now serving flavors made with California-based vegan ice cream company Eclipse Foods. This includes durian custard, mango chutney, the Purple Dalmation (made with ube, pineapple, and chocolate chips), and the Orchard Fennel (mixed with roasted stone fruits and fennel), among other flavors. Curbside pickup orders at the Airport Boulevard can be placed online.

Summer Restaurant Shutter
Japanese and karaoke spot DK Sushi shuttered its Brentwood location on 5610B North Lamar Boulevard sometime in late August, generally because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The South Austin location on 6400 South First Street, Suite C remains open for takeout and delivery services.