Photo by Joe LananeFamily-operated business will celebrate 50 years
As new development sprouts up along South Lamar Boulevard, one Austin original continues to stand strong.
The Broken Spoke celebrates its 50-year anniversary this year. James White opened The Broken Spoke on Nov. 5, 1964, a birthday the co-owner plans to celebrate the entire month of November.
"It's more than a place, more than a business. It's a way of life for so many people," White said. "They're all just so happy I'm still there, and I'm happy with them."
White, who turns 75 in April, said his family is marking the milestone by participating in a documentary about the business, which he operates with his wife and two daughters. In addition, a book about The Broken Spoke's 50-year honky-tonk history will be published this year, he said.
Representatives from the Smithsonian recently visited the historic establishment, White said, and a Miracle Whip commercial may even be filmed there this year.
All the while, two modern, multistory apartment complexes have been developed on each side of The Broken Spoke, yet the singing and dancing continues, White said. In fact, one of the projects has been completed, opening more parking space for his establishment.
"I'm hoping we get a lot of country music lovers to rent those apartments," he said. "It's an ideal situation."
The Broken Spoke, 3201 S. Lamar Blvd., 512-442-6189, www.brokenspokeaustintx.com
