Family Legacy
Generations in the Making
Words by Sam Lauron Photos by Eric Morales
In a city that prides itself on supporting homegrown businesses, running a family-owned company does not come without its challenges. But for these East Austinites, family pride, relentless support from the community, and the desire to give back have allowed them to withstand the ever-changing landscape for decades. And they don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon.
Marshall’s Barber Shop
Perched on a hill at East 12th and Poquio streets, Marshall’s Barber Shop has been an integral part of the neighborhood for more than 30 years. Serving as a place to hang out and commune while getting a cut and shave, Owner Eldrick Jermaine Cooper has made his mark here by starting at the shop as a barber before stepping into his current role of owner.
1915 E 12th St.
Longhorn Meat Market
This family-owned butcher shop has been serving fresh cut meats to the neighborhood and beyond for 50 years. James Jackson Leach recently took ownership at Longhorn Meat Market, making him the fifth-generation owner and allowing him to continue his family’s legacy of serving quality meats in Austin.
2411 E MLK Jr., Blvd. longhornmeatmarket.com
Boggy Creek Farm
When Larry Butler and Carol Ann Sayle first laid eyes on the farmland that sat along Boggy Creek, it was overgrown, run down, and in foreclosure. “The roof was caved in, there was garbage everywhere, and nobody wanted it,” Carol Ann recalls, “so we thought, ‘Oh my gosh, let’s try to get it.’”
That was late summer of 1992. By February 1993, the farm had been restored and was open for business. “Lettuce grows fast!” remarks Tracy Gibson Geyer, Carol Ann’s daughter.
Larry and Carol Ann were pioneers of the urban farming industry. As one of the first urban farms in the United States, Boggy Creek Farm was unlike anything Austinites had ever experienced. The couple first introduced their farm to the city by setting up a card table outside of Wiggy’s on West 6th to sell their organic produce. This was not common at the time, and even the concept of “organic” was foreign to most. “People would say, ‘What do you mean organic?’” Carol Ann remembers.
“Once people knew about us, we were able to stop going ‘off campus’ to sell at Wiggy’s and other farmers’ markets but did continue to sell to Whole Foods for many years,” Tracy recalls. And so, after a few successful years of sidewalk sales, they began to focus their efforts on selling directly at the farm, making Boggy Creek Farm stand—which still runs today—one of the first farm stands in Austin.
Before coming to Austin, Carol Ann had very little farming experience. However, with Larry by her side, she was able to learn the ins and outs of farming and face all of the challenges that come along with it. “You have to be tenacious and creative to be a farmer,” says Carol Ann. “But it turned out, we were perfect for it.”
White Mountain Foods
Founded by Reed Murray, White Mountain Foods has been producing high probiotic Bulgarian yogurt since 1980. The family-owned business, which is now run by Reed’s brother, Jeff Murray, is a veteran of the health food industry
in Austin and has called East Austin home since 1995.
wmfoods.com
The VillagerNewspaper
Founded in 1973 by owner and publisher Tommy Wyatt, The Villager is Austin’s longest-running black community newspaper. The free weekly paper has long been an essential resource for the community and covers news, events, and announcements. There’s also a popular section called “Youth Brigade” that gives local students the opportunity to submit articles about recent happenings in their school or neighborhood. Be sure to pick up the latest issue on stands.
4132 E 12th St.
theaustinvillager.com
Cisco’s Restaurant
In September 2017, three weeks after his son was born, Matt Cisneros and his business partners purchased Cisco’s Restaurant. The moment was significant, not only because they were preserving the oldest Tex-Mex restaurant in Austin, but also because it was founded by Matt’s grandfather, Rudy “Cisco” Cisneros.
Although Matt, a native Austinite, didn’t work at the restaurant regularly growing up, he knew that one day he’d have a bigger role. “When I was younger, I oddly had this inkling that at some point I would be involved,” Matt recalls.
Since 1950, Cisco’s has been sitting at the corner of East 6th and Comal streets in the same teal brick building that longtime residents have come to instantly recognize. A staple in the community, Cisco’s has been considered more than just a go-to spot for traditional migas and warm biscuits. The establishment has served as a gathering place for the neighborhood, bringing people together from West Austin, East Austin, and everywhere in between. Whether politicians were sneaking away from the Capitol to have meetings, or celebrity figures like Willie Nelson and Darrell Royal were popping in for a meal, or regulars were claiming their usual spots, the familial atmosphere provided a comfortable space to let your guard down.
Juan in a Million
Opened in 1980 by school teachers Juan and Myrna Meza, the homegrown Mexican restaurant has been a staple in the Holly neighborhood for decades. Their popularity is marked by a line that wraps around the building during eating hours. They serve up hearty breakfast and lunch plates, including the famous Don Juan taco, a massive taco filled with bacon, eggs, potatoes, and cheese that’s large enough to feed a family of four.
2300 E Cesar Chavez St.
juaninamillion.com
Gene Johnson Automotive
The Manor Road auto shop has been operating since 1937, making it one of the oldest and longest-running businesses in East Austin: doing business on a hand-shake for nearly a century and servicing even the classics.
2300 Manor Rd.
genejohnsonautomotive.com
Estrada’s
When Fidel Estrada Jr. retired two and a half years ago, he left his longtime business, Estrada’s Cleaners, in the hands of his son, Danny Estrada. “Now I’m the boss,” says Danny. “Unless he’s here.” Adding with a grin, “when he’s in here, he’s the boss for a little while.”
The transition into the role of owner was natural for Danny since he’s been working in the family business his entire life. “I’ve learned everything over the years,” he says. “This is my dad’s life, but it’s also my life. I want to keep the legacy going.”
As one of the longest-running businesses on East 7th Street, Estrada’s has played a central role in East Austin’s history. The patriarch of the entire operation, Fidel Estrada Jr., worked for various dry cleaners before opening his own in 1960. He began their operation in the backroom of a garage and gas station on Webberville Road before eventually opening up shop at their current location in 1962.
McCoy’s Building Supply
In 1927, Frank McCoy founded a small roofing company in Galveston, Texas. After more than 90 years and several generations of McCoys at the helm, McCoy’s Building Supply operates as an all-encompassing building supply store with 88 locations across Texas. The San Marcos-based company has proven that strong family ties and dedication are just a couple of the secrets to longtime business success.
6200 Burleson Rd.
mccoys.com
Carousel Lounge
Tucked away off Cameron Road, Carousel Lounge is one of the few remaining bars that embraces Austin’s affinity for weirdness and its live music reputation—and it’s been doing so since 1963. With a circus theme as its foundation, the bar features live music every night and is BYOL, or Bring Your Own Liquor, making it a truly unique dive bar experience.
1110 E 52nd St.
carousellounge.net
The Road to Success
Manor Road is home to several longtime, family-run restaurants that have established their place in the community over the years.
Mi Madre’s
established 1990
After nearly 30 years of serving the community, Mi Madre’s is one of the oldest brick-and-mortar restaurants on Manor Road. Founded by Aurelio and Rosa Torres, Mi Madre’s has grown with the neighborhood. What began as a small mom and pop eatery has become an Austin staple with several extensions to the brand, including nextdoor School House Pub and Pura Vida Juicery located just down the road.
Hoover’s
established 1998
A native Eastsider and fifth- generation Texan, Hoover Alexander opened his namesake homestyle restaurant in 1998. The restaurant was inspired by the now defunct Night Hawk, where Hoover worked in college.
El Chile
established 2003
After working at acclaimed West Austin restaurant, Jeffrey’s, Carlos Rivero opened his own restaurant, El Chile, in 2003. He has since opened several restaurants around town and continues to build upon El Chile Group’s presence on Manor Road with El Chilito and Peruvian restaurant Yuyo, which he opened with his sister, Maribel Rivero.
Thunderbird Coffee
established 2006
Longtime residents of the Cherrywood neighborhood have been frequenting Thunderbird Coffee ever since its early days under the name of Clementine Coffee. The coffee shop has successfully evolved with the Manor Road district and has established itself as a go-to spot to work and hang out with either a coffee, panini, or a beer in hand.
S-H Donuts
established 2010
For ten years, S-H Donuts has cemented itself into the morning routines of nearby Windsor Park and Springdale residents. Opened in 2010 by Sochea Hav, he and his family serve up fresh pastries and a warm welcome to hungry, on-the-go patrons each morning.
