Community Impact covered a variety of Central Austin businesses in 2024. Here are six that reporters wrote featured stories on.

Anderson’s Coffee offers freshly roasted beans for more than 50 years

Founder Jamie Anderson has perked up coffee aficionados one cup at a time with his freshly roasted coffee beans since opening Anderson’s Coffee in 1972.

Anderson carefully selects beans from around the world, including Central and South America, Indonesia and Africa.

“We roast them in-house, so we have complete control of the process,” Anderson said.
The Royal Sonesta opened as Austin's first high-rise hotel in 1924. (Courtesy Royal Sonesta)
The Royal Sonesta opened as Austin's first high-rise hotel in 1924. (Courtesy Royal Sonesta)
Royal Sonesta Hotel celebrates 100 years, eyes more


Since opening 100 years ago as Austin’s first high-rise hotel, the Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta has been a pillar in the community—and there are no plans of slowing down, said Jim Mooney, vice president of sales for Sonesta International Hotels.

Situated 15 stories above Congress Avenue, the 190-room hotel will get a full makeover next spring.

“We will breathe new life into every corner while preserving the essence of our local heritage,” Mooney said. “We look forward to an exhilarating journey of renovation and reimagination.”
Founder Gabe Anderson opened an Austin-area location of Vintage Wine Storage on Sept. 12. (Courtesy Vintage Wine Storage)
Founder Gabe Anderson opened an Austin-area location of Vintage Wine Storage on Sept. 12. (Courtesy Vintage Wine Storage)
Vintage Wine Storage serves Austin-area wine enthusiasts

With a combination of business experience and a passion for wine, founder of Vintage Wine Storage Gabe Anderson uncorked affordable wine storage options with a few perks in September.


Storage prices in the 13,000-square-foot facility vary depending on locker size and extras, such as inventory management, bottle inspections and more.

“We pride ourselves on providing customers with affordable wine storage in order to attract all individuals, no matter the income level,” Anderson said.
When John Rydman, Spec's Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods president, bought the building for the store's newest location, it was covered in the work of local stencil artist Federico Archuleta, who was asked by Spec's to come and restore his work featuring Spec's signature rabbit motif. (Courtesy Spec's Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods)
When John Rydman, Spec's Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods president, bought the building for the store's newest location, it was covered in the work of local stencil artist Federico Archuleta, who was asked by Spec's to come and restore his work featuring Spec's signature rabbit motif. (Courtesy Spec's Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods)
Spec's to debut Central Austin store, restore beloved mural

John Rydman, Spec's Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods president, spent over 12 years driving around town, scouting out the perfect location for a store that could serve Central Austin residents.

Once the Goodwill at 914 N. Lamar Blvd. closed in 2023, Rydman finally saw an opportunity to create a liquor store that was unique both inside and out.
Jess and Ian Haisley opened Parker + Scott in July 2021. (Sarah Hernandez/Community Impact)
Jess and Ian Haisley opened Parker + Scott in July 2021. (Sarah Hernandez/Community Impact)
Parker + Scott offers sustainable shopping experience in Austin


With sustainability and community at the forefront of their minds, Jess and Ian Haisley opened Parker + Scott, a general store in Austin’s Crestview neighborhood, in July 2022.

On a trip to Brighton, England, the Haisleys visited a home and kitchenware store called Utility. Ian Haisley said they liked how the store’s items were “made in a way they used to be,” meaning the items were functional but beautiful in their simplicity.

They took from those values and planned to build something similar in Austin.
Arlyn Studios celebrated its 40th birthday at its “For The Record: Arlyn Turns 40” party Nov. 16. (Courtesy PBT Photography)
Arlyn Studios celebrated its 40th birthday at its “For The Record: Arlyn Turns 40” party Nov. 16. (Courtesy PBT Photography)
Arlyn Studios celebrates 40 years of contributions to Austin’s music scene

Tucked into a business park off of South Congress Avenue sits Arlyn Studios, a recording studio deeply rooted in Austin’s live music scene. As its founders celebrate the studio’s 40th birthday, they are reflecting on the years of history within Arlyn’s walls and making Austin the “Live Music Capital of the World.”


Today, Arlyn Studios’ walls are lined with records and photos of artists such as Sublime, Los Lonely Boys, David Crosby and more who at some point called it their home base.

The facility houses three recording studios. Managing partner Lisa Fletcher said it’s been special to meet everyone who has gone in and out of the studio over the years, from major touring artists to the new generation of smaller, local musicians.