"Keep Austin Weird" it's become a mantra of those in the city that oppose development and the "Dallas-ification" of the city.  Austin is blessed with a large number of independent businesses that bring so much culture and color to our neighborhoods.  I'm not a sentimental kind of guy most of the time, I accept change and embrace the opportunities it brings. 

However, I just read an article in the Austin Business Journalon-line that saddens me if it comes to fruition.  Let me give you a little background.  In a city that is known for it's abundance of fantastic Tex-Mex restaurants, my favorite place to grab some enchiladas is a little dump called Maudies.  It's over in Tarrytown on Exposition and Lake Austin.  Great food, friendly but loud and busy atmosphere.  I've been going there for many many years.  When I first started going, they had a guy who was a waiter there who was really amazing.  Usually remembered my favorite items and how I liked my margaritas.  His name was Chris, never knew his last name.  Well, one day Chris was gone, not just a night off, but gone for good. I figured he'd graduated from UT and moved on to a corporate job somewhere.  So, one night I grabbed the manager and asked "What ever happened to Chris?". 

Turns out Chris is alive and well!  He opened a cool little bar down the street called Mean-Eyed Cat.  As you may guess from the name (if you're a fan), the bar is a Johnny Cash tribute establishment.  They only serve beer and wine, but the atmosphere is great and it's always a cool place to go and hang out. 

In getting back to the title of this Blog post, the adjacent neighborhood is now trying to shut down the place.  Seems they're worried about another entertainment district there and because the Cat doesn't have the correct zoning, they're hammering Chris.  Even a new development that is happening at his site is supporting this unique local business and building their complex around the Mean-Eyed Cat to show their support. 

Chris has come up with a plan and asked for an exception to the zoning requirements.  Again, OWANA is refusing to give him any support and probably hoping for another Starbucks or Gap.  Funny thing is, that part of town is really cool, albeit expensive homes.  They're unique, just as the Cat is.  It would be a shame to surround all those unique homes with more strip mall hell that is taking over the rest of Austin. 

So, here is my plea OWNA.  Support the Cat- Stay Mean.  Keep this piece of Austin Weirdness alive and well.

Maxwell McDaniel

www.AustinAPlusHomes.com