Holiday and UT home game means big weekend for Austin businesses

AUSTIN, Texas — From families eating out ahead of tomorrow’s big holiday or friends reuniting over drinks, Thanksgiving is a big holiday for the hospitality industry.

“We never go out at home, we’re in bed by 8:30,” New Jersey resident Amy Brandwein said. “But when we come to Austin, we’re out all night.”

Amy and her husband Mark are in town from New Jersey visiting their son for Thanksgiving.

“We don’t get to see our other son all year, so being able to spend the holiday with just one of our children and really focus on them is just great,” Mrs. Brandwein said.

A son who appreciates being able to host his family for the holidays.

“I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to. Not a lot of people can do that,” Eric Brandwein said. “So it’s always fun to have people that are excited to come see me and spend some time with them.”

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And with so many in Austin for the holidays, President of the East 6th Street Community Association and bar owner Bob Woody says it’ll be an extra-long weekend of business.

“Business starts on Wednesday night, which is tonight,” Woody said. “They don’t have to work tomorrow. Hardly anybody is going to work on Friday and they’re not going to get anything done anyhow – their bosses know that.”

He owns the Blind Pig and dozens of other establishments here in Austin and across the state. He says this weekend isn’t just good for him, but the entire area.

“Millions of dollars, okay? Which equates to hundreds of thousands in tax revenue,” Woody said.

And he says this weekend will be even busier than other years with the University of Texas playing at home.

“That’s 110,000 people fifteen blocks away. So we’re in a good spot,” Woody said.

But the city matters little. Whether home in Jersey or here in Austin, the Brandweins are just glad to be together.

“We just want to wish everybody a Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Holidays,” Mr. Brandwein said. “And just enjoy spending time with the family.”