The economic effects of COVID-19 continue to affect Austin's local businesses, especially restaurants, breweries and bars. The most recent data from the Texas Workforce Commission shows the unemployment rate in Austin is 7.5%, significantly lower than the national average but three times what it was before the pandemic.
TWC numbers show statewide, the leisure and hospitality industry has lost more than 220,000 jobs between June 2019 and June 2020, a 15.9% reduction. These local businesses recently announced permanent closures of their Austin locations.
1. Cluck-n-Burger announced July 3 it has permanently closed its restaurant at 5111 Airport Blvd., Austin. The burger and chicken restaurant moved into the space, formerly occupied by Turntable Eatery, in 2019. Cluck-N-Burger's owners said in a July 3 Facebook post they will keep their food trucks open on a limited basis to visit neighborhoods, apartments and other sites. www.cnbatx.com
2. Nancy's Sky Garden closed its East Austin location at 6448 E. Hwy. 290, Ste. A-100, in June. The healthy, Korean-inspired restaurant also closed its Georgetown restaurant, but its locations in Round Rock and the Lakeline Mall remain open. Owners Nancy and Won Lee moved to the area from Korea over 20 years ago. 512-337-9030. www.nancysskygarden.com
