DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks

In the past 30 years the franchise has migrated from college campuses and permeated suburbs and neighborhoods throughout Texas, Bramwell said. For the past several years he said he has been searching for the perfect Northwest Austin location close to schools, churches and neighborhoods. He said the Mesa Drive spot met all of his criteria.

“That neighborhood has a strong sense of community. … And we wanted to be part of it,” he said.

Together, Smith, Thorp and Bramwell opened the new location, which Bramwell said is unique because its sunken lounge area, accented with a brick fireplace, gives the restaurant a more relaxed, dine-in feel. He said the patio was also a selling point.

Flat-screen televisions dot the walls, and Smith said he plans to make the restaurant a hotspot during football season. A corner bar offers an eight-tap selection with seven local brews.

“This is the only DoubleDave’s in Austin that has a bar,” Smith said.

The restaurant has daily happy hour from 3-7 p.m. and offers $1 off pints and glasses of wine. He said he hopes to start hosting beer tastings and trivia nights.

Smith said he wants to get involved with the community and has already donated DoubleDave’s gift cards to a booster club raffle benefiting Anderson High School’s baseball program.

“All of our franchisees live here in town,” Bramwell said. “We’re local to Austin.”