The historic Bergen-Todd House on South Congress Avenue will relaunch next year as Connie’s, an Austin restaurant equipped with a seasonal menu and outdoor patio, according to co-owner Dustin Minium.
Minium, owner and founder of Red Tail Construction, is partnering with Matthew Moreno, a local real estate developer to bring the restaurant to life.
“We want this to be South Congress' backyard—a place that feels familiar, yet inspires,” Minium said. “A place you're excited to share with your friends.”
The backstory
The City of Austin landmark is a Victorian mansion that dates back to 1877, according to a 2022 presentation from Preservation Austin. The home was constructed for James V. Bergen and his wife Almira who moved to Austin in 1874. James V. Bergen served as the real estate and tax commissioner for the Southwestern railway system until he died in 1915.
Later, the residence was owned by Tennessee Ann Todd and used as a boarding home. The historic Bergen-Todd House was recently owned by Constance, Connie, Todd, who passed away in 2024.
“This was, and still is, Connie's home, Minium said. “We are merely the stewards that will be at the helm for this next chapter. As we learned about Connie through Tim, her son and our landlord, we quickly understood that the story was writing itself—we simply had to listen.”
On the menu
The menu at Connie’s will be inspired by seasonal and regional flavors, according to Minium. Patrons can expect rotating items that match Austin’s weather. The new restaurant will also feature an outdoor brunch and a selection of bar classics and signature drinks.
The details
The restaurant will maintain the original floor plan, allowing the 2,244-square-foot space to still feel like a home, Minium explained.
New additions to the Bergen-Todd House will be incorporated as stand-alone buildings, including an outdoor bar, bathroom and kitchen. The structures will be constructed along the perimeter of the lot; the co-owners also hope to showcase the trees and natural landscaping.
A Texas Department of Licensing and regulation filing details that the project, labeled Connie’s Last Stand, is estimated to cost $3 million and construction is slated to begin in late September.
“We wanted to be able to share this slice of history with the community in a thoughtful and meaningful way,” Minium said.
- Opening late summer or early fall 2027
- 1403 S. Congress Ave., Austin
