Updated Dec. 15:
Aviator Pizza & Drafthouse will postpone its scheduled opening to Dec. 19, the restaurant announced via Facebook.
Original story, posted Dec. 14:
An Elgin-based pizza restaurant will open its second location Dec. 15 on South Congress Avenue. When John McElroy and his wife, Ana Lam-McElroy, opened the original location of Aviator Pizza & Drafthouse about two years ago, he said they took a leap of faith, so to speak.
“The first customer we got in there was the wife of a pastor for a large community church, and she said it was the best pizza she ever had,” he said. “A lot of things in Elgin come and go—at least, that’s how it used to be—so she challenged all of their congregation to come out and try it.”
The pizza dough is made from a family recipe that uses a 26-year-old yeast.[/caption]
As a result the restaurant had a steady flow of new customers during its first few weeks, many of whom came back for more, he said. Although the aviation-themed, family-style eatery will stay true to its roots, the new South Austin location’s offerings will be different than those in Elgin, he said.
“I tried to make it a very relaxing family environment,” he said, noting there are several craft sodas on the menu.
Husband-and-wife team John McElroy and Ana Lam-McElroy own Aviator Pizza & Drafthouse on South Congress Avenue.[/caption]
The beer menu will consist mainly of Austin craft beers, with a few notable Texas drafts and growlers, he said.
Hand-tossed pizza, Northern-style Grinder sandwiches, baked chicken wings, charcuterie boards, ciabatta bread sandwiches and desserts will also be on the restaurant’s menu.
Aviator Pizza & Drafthouse
6501 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 1-105, Austin
512-827-3553 (Elgin location)
www.aviatorpizza.com
Hours: TBD