Longtime East Austin favorite serving classic dishes set to close Jan. 31, 2019

AUSTIN, TX (Jan. 14, 2019) — Eastside Cafe announced today that it has sold the business to Sam Hellman-Mass, owner of Suerte. Eastside Cafe will close for business under current representation on Jan. 31, 2019 after 31 years of serving the Austin community.

Opened in 1988 by Elaine Martin, Eastside Cafe has a long-running tenure of being one of Austin’s favorite restaurants, featuring American comfort food, served in a charming bungalow in the heart of the city. Martin—known as a pioneer in the local food movement—will retire from the restaurant business and is excited to pass the torch to the next generation of Austin restaurateurs, specifically, to Suerte owner Sam Hellman-Mass.   “Serving the East Austin community is something that is incredibly close to my heart,” Martin said. “As I close the doors of Eastside Cafe, I’m inspired by all the memories made, food served and community encouraged in this house, and I’m excited to see the way Sam makes the space his own.”

Hellman-Mass, a critically acclaimed restaurateur and entrepreneur, and Martin share a mutual commitment to the farm-to-table movement, utilizing only the freshest ingredients. Known for Barley Swine, Odd Duck and, most recently, one of Bon Appétit’s 2018 50 Best New Restaurants, Suerte, Hellman-Mass understands the importance of sharing the restaurant experience with family and friends and plans to keep the future restaurant an owner-operated business.

“Elaine and Eastside Café have made an incredible impact on the city of Austin over the past 30 years,” Hellman-Mass said. “I’m truly honored to have the opportunity to put my heart and soul into what comes next. I want to thank Elaine for inspiring me and so many of Austin’s restaurateurs.”

Eastside Cafe would like to recognize its talented loyal staff and gracious community, and wishes to continue enjoying everyone’s company until the doors officially close on Jan. 31, 2019.