Many that have announced shutters either did not serve takeout during the pandemic ( which was allowed) or only did for a short time.
Many of the restaurants that have announced they will not reopen are Austin institutions that are over 20, 40, and even - in the case of Threadgill’s - 87 years ago. As a result of diminished sales, Austin is seeing a spate of outright restaurant closures as the industry struggles to stay afloat while having to pay rents, wages, taxes, and other expenses. The COVID-19 pandemic had shuttered dining rooms from mid-March to early May, and now restaurants are either remaining temporarily closed, sticking to takeout service only, or have reopened for limited dine-in service.
