Six Central Austin businesses are celebrating 20 or more years in operation.
1. Westminister, a senior living community, is celebrating its 55th anniversary in April. The facility, located at 4100 Jackson Ave., Austin, offers activities, upscale amenities and social opportunities, and it was one of the first retirement communities built in Austin. Recently, it partnered with Freedom Solar to install solar panels on the complex, making it the first senior living community to have a solar array, according to Freedom Solar. 512-454-4711. www.westminsteraustintx.org
2. Austin-based firm Research and Planning Consultants LP is celebrating its 50th anniversary this April. The firm, located at 6300 La Calma Drive, Ste. 170, Austin, specializes in injury litigation, including examining medical records and providing expert testimony at trials. The firm provides resources to clients, including independent medical examinations, life care plans and analysis of lost earning capacity. Last year the firm served 231 clients—91 of whom were new clients—and received 732 new cases. Firm President Ron Luke plans to expand to other states. 512-371-8015. www.rpcconsulting.com
3. Waterloo Records is celebrating its 40th anniversary in April. The record store opened April 1, 1982. The current building is at 600 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, though it began a few blocks down Lamar, south of the river, in a smaller location. Waterloo Records was founded by Lewis Karp and is now owned by John Kunz. Prior to the pandemic, the store was known for hosting shows. On April 1, the shop hosted a show, featuring Ray Wylie Hubbard and Heartless Bastards, for the first time in two years to celebrate their anniversary. 512-474-2500. www.waterloorecords.com
4. The Texas Advocacy Project celebrated its 40th anniversary in February. The nonprofit was established in 1982 by a group of lawyers and began as a legal hotline. Now, TAP offers services for legal and social justice issues affecting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and dating violence. The nonprofit provides free legal advice and help navigating the criminal justice system, including getting protective orders; terminating abusers' parental rights or getting child-custody modifications; and help accessing housing, financial and other support services. It also provides community education and outreach. TAP does not publicly disclose its location for safety reasons. 512-476-5377. www.texasadvocacyproject.org
5. Tito’s Handmade Vodka is celebrating its 25-year anniversary this year. Following a varied career, Tito Beveridge began the company by making flavored vodka in Austin for his friends before refining his process and officially launching in 1997. The company will have a series of events to celebrate the benchmark, including a commemorative bottle and a party in October. The distillery is located at 1406 Smith Road, Bldg. C, Austin. www.titosvodka.com
6. Soup Peddler is celebrating its 20th anniversary in April. The locally owned chain was founded by David Ansel in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood. Ansel began the business by delivering soup to customers on his bicycle. The shop now has six locations, including at 501 W. Mary St., Austin, and sells soups, smoothies, juices and salads made from scratch. www.souppeddler.com
