Austin-based pop-up shop Starling Eyewear opened Nov. 15 in The Domain, selling ready-to-wear eyewear.
Founders Pierre and Isabelle Fay, who are from France, started the company out of their desire for fashionable, quality reading glasses that were not too expensive.
"Baby boomers like us need the product to read, but they also want to look young; they want to express themselves," Pierre Fay said. "They want to have a product they are proud of and can have fun with. At the same time, we are finding millennials love the product, too, for the same reasons."
Starling Eyewear shops sell the company's line of reading glasses, sunglasses and sun readers starting at $60 a pair. The frames are made using Mazzucchelli Italian acetate, which is an organic plastic derived from cotton.
The Fays are also incorporating the trend of pop-up shops—stores or kiosks that open temporarily—with Austin's love of trailers. They launched their first clipper airstream trailer store for the 2013 Formula 1 events held Nov. 15–17.
The second location at The Domain will be open until Jan. 31. The pop-up shop is located near Papyrus at 3400 Esperanza Crossing. www.starlingeyewear.com. Twitter: @starlingeyewear
Other Impacts
NOW OPEN—Biryani Pot opened Oct. 24 at 12407 N. MoPac, Ste. 200B, in the former Taj Mahal location. The restaurant, which also has one location in Houston, serves authentic Hyderbadi Indian food, including biryani, which is a slow-cooked spiced rice served with meat or vegetables. Other menu items include the goat chops of heaven with curry leaves, onion and mint, and the sheek kebab with minced chicken and spices. Biryani Pot also has lunch specials. 512-837-4444. www.biryanipotusa.com
RELOCATION—In early November, Sharp End Athletics relocated from 8990 Research Blvd. to 10508 Boyer Blvd., doubling its size. The athletic training facility includes four batting cages, three pitching mounds, 40-yard running lanes and programs for speed, agility and flexibility training and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Sharp End will be celebrating its three-year anniversary and expansion Dec. 14. Ben Himes founded the business in December 2010. 512-215-9326. www.sharpendathletics.com. Twitter: @sharpendaustin