In 2004, Galaxy Cafe was the first to offer free Wi-Fi, all-day counter service and serve French-press coffee in South Austin, he said. It was also the first eatery to offer sweet potato fries and turkey burgers.
“It took awhile for people to warm up to us,” said Chappell, who owns the restaurant with Jay Bunda and Chris Courtney.
Austinites soon caught on to the cafe’s offerings, and the local chain grew to four locations, the newest having opened in May 2015 on Mesa Drive.
For this location, the owners branched out by embracing a literal theme for the space with dark turquoise-painted walls emblazoned with constellations and purchasing post-modern furniture, Chappell said.
“We didn’t want every store to be the same,” he said. “I want this to be the neighborhood’s Galaxy Cafe.”
The owners also added several new items to the menu, something they rarely do, Chappell said. One item, the Buddha Bowl, gained enough popularity that it is now available at all four locations. The restaurant also offers vegan and vegetarian items and has one of the largest gluten-free menus in Austin, he said.
“We have to stay relevant and keep going forward,” Chappell said.
To support the neighborhood, Galaxy Cafe hosts spirit nights on which the restaurant gives back15 percent of profits to groups, including Little League teams, booster clubs and school organizations.
Galaxy Cafe
8127 Mesa Drive, Ste. A-100, Austin
512-369-3488
www.galaxycafeaustin.com
Hours: daily 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
