Lobos Hospitality announced that Toasty Badger, a community-driven diner nestled on South Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas, will be opening their doors on Friday, January 26.
“We want to create a neighborhood dining space for friends and families to gather that serves familiar comfort food in a warm and welcoming setting,” CEO Grace Chow said in a statement.
The menu pays tribute to classic American diner cuisine that prioritizes high-quality fresh ingredients. Using their family’s personal recipes, the Toasty Badger team hopes to transport diners to their own nostalgic kitchen table, from offering pancakes cooked ‘mom’s way’ to BLTs made on the spot at Sunday family brunches. The menu will also offer cocktails and accommodate a variety of dietary preferences, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.
Initially open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily, Toasty Badger will soon expand to a full service, all day restaurant including breakfast, lunch and dinner. The diner embraces a “no reservations” policy, welcoming everyone to walk in. To ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience, diners will also have the option to utilize Toast Waitlist.
“Toasty Badger is special because it places emphasis on a homey, comfy experience rather than one of fine dining,” COO Eric Kemp said. “It’s a place where anyone can grab a seat, order a delicious meal, and return to a place of elegant simplicity.”
Inspired by the time before cell phones, Toasty Badger has 70s-themed decor, complete with a front window pie display inviting passers-by to come inside and unfolded newspapers waiting for the next customer. A go-to neighborhood spot where quality, consistency, and comfort blend seamlessly, the diner creates a timeless space that feels like a cherished old friend, complemented by a diverse music playlist spanning various genres and decades.
In an age of fast-paced living, Toasty Badger aspires to create a haven reminiscent of the classic diners that once dotted the landscapes of small towns.
“A couple of us come from small towns where a sense of community was extremely important,” CCO Jason Ellefson said.” We all have fond memories of eating with our families in our hometown diners and wanted to recreate that experience for the Austin community.”
