News

Local Foods opening in Austin

Provided

January 8, 2020

Local Foods, part of a Texas restaurant group with five locations in Houston owned by Benjy Levit and partner/culinary director Dylan Murray, has partnered with Austinite Martin Berson to bring the concept to the state capital this summer.

Berson, who will oversee operations for the new location, first partnered with Levit in 1995 to open Benjy's Restaurant in Houston, the first of Levit's now multi-unit restaurant business. He then founded Snap Kitchen in 2010 and expanded the brand to almost 60 stores and kiosks before stepping back in 2017 to focus on new projects. 

"I'm beyond thrilled to bring the Local Foods concept to Austin and have the opportunity to work with Benjy and Chef Dylan again after all these years," Berson said in the release. "What these two have created with this unique approach to everyday sandwiches and salads is best in class in a growing space of fast-fine concepts. The local farms, vendors, and amazing Austin vibe is a perfect fit for Local Foods."

Working again with architect Michael Hsu in collaboration with interior designer Aaron Rambo, the 4,500-square foot restaurant at at 454 W 2nd St., will feature two dining levels as well as a patio.

The menu focuses on locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Customers can expect high-quality sandwiches, soups, salads, chef-driven entrees, and desserts with a curated selection of wines on tap and local beers, according to the release.

"Dylan and I are excited to collaborate with Martin on Local Foods' first expansion into a new market," Levit said. "We love
Austin and are ecstatic to have a reason to spend even more time working with the amazing people involved in
the city's ever growing food scene."