MorninGlory, a brunch and coffee spot in Lakeway, opened to the public in July 2023. Located off Lohmans Crossing, the business offers breakfast options like waffles and smoothie bowls, as well as coffee and lunch options like wraps and salads.

The background

Plans for MorninGlory first took root when co-owners Chelsea and Evan Richardson took a trip to Park City, Utah, in 2018. There, they met a married couple who managed a restaurant called Five5eeds and became interested in the concept of starting up their own business in Austin.

Though her husband’s family had some experience in the restaurant business, Chelsea Richardson did not initially see herself working in the industry. However, as plans developed, the couple became increasingly invested in food and coffee, with Chelsea Richardson now describing herself as a “coffee connoisseur.”

Returning home to Austin, the couple began searching for locations in 2020. Though they reside in Dripping Springs currently, the Richardsons noticed a need for more healthy brunch offerings in their former home city, Lakeway, and decided to open MorninGlory there.


What they offer

MorninGlory’s ingredients are sourced locally wherever possible, Chelsea Richardson said, and healthy substitutes like greek yogurt or cottage cheese are often implemented into recipes.

“Most of the time, people have no idea,” Chelsea Richardson said. “They don't know that they're even eating healthy food. They're like, ‘It's so good, it's beautiful, it's pretty,’ but it's actually really good for you.”

Chelsea Richardson said her niece, who is allergic to a wide variety of foods, inspired the restaurant to focus on providing a more inclusive menu. Those with dietary restrictions will find several options on MorninGlory’s menu, catering to vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free and nut-free diets.


“I just gave our staff a big kudos for that, being able to provide an environment that's safe for all sorts of different types of people regarding allergies and that kind of thing,” Chelsea Richardson said. “That is one thing on our menu that we're proud of.”

Breakfast options at MorninGlory include savory selections like breakfast tacos, avocado toast and a pulled pork Benedict. For sweeter flavors, churro French toast, breakfast panna cotta and smoothie bowls are available.

For lunch, offerings include poke bowls, wraps and salads. A selection of coffee options are also available, including lattes and drip coffee.

As for her favorite dish, Chelsea Richardson pointed to the chicken and waffles.


“There's a couple of things that we're like, this is a go-to,” Chelsea Richardson said. “The French toast, the chicken and waffles, the panna cotta, that's going to be in the middle of our table.”

The menu is always changing, Chelsea Richardson said. MorninGlory chefs Rosebelle Imperial and Liz Quijano regularly innovate new ideas to spruce up the menu, and a new pancake of the month is selected every 30 days.

What’s special about it?

Chelsea Richardson points to the restaurant’s staff and their consistency when asked what sets MorninGlory apart from other brunch options.


“Nothing is so disheartening to go into a restaurant and be like, ‘Ah, it wasn't that good this time,’” Chelsea Richardson said. “We talk a lot about consistency, and just creating that MorninGlory brand. Our staff, we talk a lot about [this] too, is that we're family and I hope that people feel like that when they walk in the doors.”

Interior design is also important to the business. MorninGlory customers often compliment the restaurant’s physical space, which includes greenery and a modern, trendy design, Chelsea Richardson said.

“That is a big compliment that we've received just from all sorts of people and guests is, 'Oh my gosh, I walked in and I don't feel like I'm in Lakeway,'” Chelsea Richardson said. “We brought the plants inside as just like a really clean feeling, to tie back to nature and to tie back to the beautiful food that we're enjoying and eating. I love furniture, I love decor, I love design, I love all that.”

What’s next?


In April, a new patio will open at MorninGlory—a recent project by Chelsea Richardson that will provide a shaded outdoor space for customers to enjoy their food.

As far as what lies ahead for the business, two new locations are in the works. The second MorninGlory location will open at a location not yet announced in the Hill Country, ideally within the next year, Chelsea Richardson said. The third location has not been announced but is planned to open the year following.