Austin, TX
Why Are West Coast Oysters So Hard to Find in Austin?
After a recent frustrating workday, the only way I could resuscitate my mood was with a stiff gin martini and some premium oysters. I headed to a popular seafood bar where I found an impressive selection of oysters from New England and a few from the Gulf Coast. Alas, there were none of what I craved most: West Coast oysters — rich, sweet, and almost creamy. I asked the bartender about the availability of Pacific bivalves. The bartender hesitated before answering. “We do, but we don’t list them. We’re not supposed to serve West Coast oysters in Austin.” You see, Northern California and Washington oysters are illicit off-menu options at this particular Texas restaurant.
So I did what any self-respecting oyster lover would do; I ordered a dozen buttery California Kumamotos, feeling like a speakeasy renegade during Prohibition. But my curiosity was fully piqued. Why can’t Austin restaurants legally sell West Coast oysters?
The short answer is that West Coast oysters are illegal in Texas, thanks to an obscure law passed by the Texas Legislature back in 1989. “[It’s] the only state that I’m aware of that prohibits sales of Pacific oysters to consumers,” confirms Bobbi Hudson, executive director of the Pacific Shellfish Institute in Olympia, Washington.
What’s the rationale? Essentially, it was a precaution. Pacific oysters are considered an invasive species. “They’ve been shown to establish naturally reproducing populations outside their natural range,” Hudson says. So when West Coast oysters are introduced to new locations — say, Texas — through discarded oysters — the bivalves are quickly able to mate and produce baby oysters, expanding their population to the point where they outnumber the native breeds in the area.
Pacific Coast oysters are especially-effective “ecosystem engineers,” as Hudson puts it. They change their environments through their capabilities as filter feeders, removing algae, nutrients, and other particles from surrounding waters. They also carry microbes and bacteria on their shells that are foreign to new waters and can have negative effects on existing ecosystems, thus pushing out local aquatic life. As a result, throughout the world, Pacific oysters already “dominate global shellfish aquaculture production,” she says.
When the Texas law was established in 1989, the oyster restrictions in the state applied only to the oyster breed known as Pacific oysters, which originated in the waters surrounding Japan. Then, in 2021, the state decided to further protect Gulf oysters by passing a tighter law that banned any species that isn’t native to the Gulf, aka “controlled exotic species.” Under these restrictions the broad category Crassostrea virginica — also called the Eastern oyster (because they are, yes, found in the East Coast of North America) — are permitted. The distinction between Gulf and Eastern oysters is where the bivalves grow.
So per the rules, all West Coast oysters — from Kumamoto to Olympia — are illegal to source and sell in Texas.
But rules are often bent or broken.
Hudson is aware that some establishments still serve West Coast oysters in the state. But she isn’t too worried: “I would argue that the risk isn’t high,” referring to potentially introducing invasive species into Texas.
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West Coast oysters “pop up more frequently” than you’d expect, says Brendan Yancy, founder of Austin Oyster Co., though businesses generally have to get a bit creative to acquire their black market bivalves. With wholesalers unwilling to skirt the law, restaurants often turn to the farms directly, says Yancy, and of those farms, there are only a small handful willing to risk their license by defying the state of Texas.
Some businesses will downplay said liability, insisting that Texas law enforcement doesn’t prioritize enforcing oyster provenance. However, Daniel Berg, owner and executive chef of Austin restaurant Bill’s Oyster, knows that those aren’t empty threats. “We recently had a Texas game warden come into the restaurant to check our tags and make sure we weren’t serving West Coast oysters,” he says, noting that they don’t. “I was pretty shocked by that.”
Berg also doesn’t feel limited by Texas’s regulations especially with the option to import East Coast oysters. He prefers Northeast ones because they’re “smaller and more briny,” while he feels the Gulf oysters are “larger and not as clean-tasting.” (He admits Gulf oysters are better for grilling and frying.)
Bill’s Oyster works with local seafood distributor Minamoto Foods, which has strong connections with oyster farms in New England and eastern Canada. Since Texas is so far away from those prime oyster regions, it’s hard to connect personally with these farmers. “Trusting and relying on [a distributor] is important,” Berg says.
Yancy, on the other hand, has family connections in the Northeast, which means access to farms in Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. It’s inherently the ethos of his business: “The whole concept is really bringing East Coast oysters to people in Austin,” he says of Austin Oyster Co. (The company grew and harvested its own oysters from Portland, Maine for the first time this fall season.)
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Yancy does believe the viability of Texas oysters. “I’m rooting for Texas farms,” he says. The state’s oyster industry is far newer than its other counterparts, which puts farms like Texas Oyster Ranch, Jeri’s Oysters, and DJ’s Oyster Co. at a disadvantage. “They’ve got a lot of uphill battles against them,” he says, which puts the state’s oyster industry behind competitors in other states. Yancy notes that the Gulf’s warmer temperatures create a higher yield than the colder Northeastern waters, but because the state’s oyster farming infrastructure isn’t yet equipped to handle the volume, Texas has some catching up to do before they can meet the oyster farming scale the West Coast, East Coast, and even other Gulf regions like Louisiana.
Can there be a way to legally have West Coast oysters in Austin without becoming a shellfish outlaw? There aren’t any above-board answers just yet, but Hudson says that science may already have a solution. “From a biological perspective, there are ways to create organisms that can’t reproduce,” she says. “With Pacific oysters, it’s already routinely done around the world to control gonad development” — a process that, according to the University of Washington, involves stopping the maturation of the oyster eggs. The resulting reproductively-inactive “triploid” oyster happens to have more tender and flavorful meat year-round in addition to being unable to realistically reproduce (Read: less of a threat to Gulf oyster populations). Until genetically modified bivalves become more widely available, West Coast oysters are only available on an if-you-know-you-know basis. So keep your eyes peeled and your conversations with oyster bartenders flowing — you might just score a secret stash.
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A 27-year-old Pflugerville man faces capital murder charges for allegedly killing his parents and his brother, according to the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. The bodies of 62-year-old Armand, 63-year-old Jami and 31-year-old Noah Dahan were found by deputies conducting a welfare check Thursday at their home on Civorno Drive. Deputies said the victims had suffered gunshot wounds. https://www.kxan.com/news/crime/tcso-pflugerville-triple-homicide/
AUSTIN, Texas — The Long Center just dropped details on The Drop-In, a free summer concert series on the outdoor H-E-B Stage.
The Levitt VIBE Austin Music Series, which is partnered with KUTX 98.9, begins May 21 and takes place every Thursday except July 2.
On Friday, the center released the 23 artists performing:
- Bonnie Montgomery
- CAZAYOUX
- Como Las Movies
- Fastball
- Felt Out
- francene rouelle
- Girl Guitar’s Rhinestone Renegades
- Grace Sorensen
- Gus Baldwin & The Sketch
- Hayden Butler
- Jackie Venson
- Je’Texas
- KindKeith
- Lew Apollo
- Lindsay Beaver
- Los Desechos
- LUCIRI
- Mean Jolene
- Paige Plaisance
- Ruthie Craft
- Sue Foley
- Sweet Limb
- The Magic Rockers of Texas
A social media poster for the event also featured a redacted performer’s name, hinting at a surprise guest.
On Monday, the Long Center will open RSVPs for The Drop-In, with Long Center members getting first dibs on those RSVPs. Members also enjoy early entrance and a special lounge.
Students representing schools from across the Texas Panhandle gathered at the Texas State Capitol on Monday, May 4, for the inaugural Panhandle Capitol Leadership Program, organized and hosted by State Representative Caroline Fairly.
The program brought together students from several school districts spanning hundreds of miles of the Panhandle, giving them direct access to the halls of state government. Throughout the day, the middle school students engaged with the legislative process through tours of the Capitol, etiquette training, a visit to the Governor’s Mansion, and presenting bill ideas to their peers.
An immersive civic education experience, the program was designed to bridge the distance between the Panhandle and Austin, giving students the opportunity to consider a future in public service. Fairly intends to continue the program in future years.
“One of the most important things we can do for the future of Texas is make sure our young people understand how their government actually works,” Fairly said. “The students who came to Austin today didn’t just observe the legislative process; they engaged with it. That kind of hands-on civic education is what turns curious students into engaged and productive adults.”
The following exceptional students participated in the program:
- Follett ISD: Randi Purgason, Angel Aguilar, and Gideon Stinson;
- Stratford ISD: Hellen Chitic and Monse Zamudio;
- River Road ISD: Kaydence Kovar, Lillie Stubblefield, and Kathryn Ruiz;
- San Jacinto Christian Academy: Cate Dowdy;
- Ascension Academy: Anima Tumula, Grae Gerig, and Zadie Shreffler;
- The Oaks: Ellie Carbajal, Aylah Jones, and Paige Solomon;
- Amarillo ISD: Mason Perry, Norah Bennett, and Jocelynn Guevara; and
- Perryton ISD: Andrew Russell.
“Seeing this extremely bright group of students presenting their ideas was one of the most rewarding experiences of my legislative career so far,” Representative Fairly added. “I am grateful to every student, teacher, and parent who made the trip. The future of the Panhandle is in excellent hands.”
Other community news
Kelly Preston, Senior Vice President and Human Resources Director at FirstBank Southwest, has been selected as a recipient of the Emerging Leader Award by the Texas Bankers Foundation. The award will be presented at the Texas Bankers Association’s 141st Annual Convention during a special awards luncheon. “Kelly represents the very best of what this industry needs as it looks to the future,” said Andy Marshall, President and CEO of FirstBank Southwest. “Her leadership is grounded in integrity, collaboration, and a genuine care for people. She brings those values into every part of her work, and we’re proud to see her recognized by the Texas Bankers Foundation as an emerging leader.” For more information, visit www.texasbankers.com/Foundation and check out Texas Banking Magazine, the official publication of the Texas Bankers Association, which includes a special feature on the 2026 award winners.
Ceta Canyon Camp and Retreat Center will host a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, May 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to celebrate the completion of its new Camp Safety Initiatives and Protocols and to recognize the generous donors who helped make them possible. The event will be held at the Ceta Canyon Welcome Center, located at 37201 FM 1721, in Happy. “Safety is one of the deepest ways we love the families who trust us with their kids,” said Joe Alarcon, CEO of Ceta Canyon Camp and Retreat Center. “We are also honored to recognize Heaven’s 27 and the fulfillment of the provisions outlined in the new bill. As one of the few organizations to receive licensure, we are grateful to lead the way in meeting these important standards.”
The Amarillo Symphony announced that Damian Blacksher, a senior at Dumas High School and a three-year bassoonist with the Amarillo Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO), has been named the inaugural recipient of the Claire Stovall Scholarship. The $2,500 award will assist Damian as he pursues a Bachelor of Music degree at the Baylor University School of Music in fall 2026. The Claire Stovall Scholarship was established by Jeff and Amy Stovall in loving memory of their daughter, Claire, a gifted violinist in ASYO. “Damian embodies everything this scholarship was created to honor,” said Larry Lang, Executive Director of the Amarillo Symphony. “He is a serious young artist with a generous spirit, the kind of student who lifts up everyone around him. The Stovall family’s gift will help carry his musicianship forward, and through Damian, Claire’s love of music continues to inspire the next generation of Panhandle musicians.”
This week’s Furry Friend is Quinn. “Quinn’s coloring is black with some white, and she is a medium size dog. Her coat is rather wiry. She is a cute, sweet dog, but very shy right now. Our volunteers and staff will be working with her. Quinn was brought to our shelter after spending some time on the street, so may take an extra bit of love and kindness.” APSCA adoptions can be made at the shelter, 11901 S. Coulter, noon-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Call 806-622-0555, or visit www.amarillospcashelter.com or www.adoptapet.com.
This week, U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson announced the 2026 Congressional Art Competition winner for Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District. This year’s theme is America 250, and winning pieces will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year. Shae Crawford of Denton and a student at Ryan High School, earned top honors for her oil pastel of an American Flag titled “Still Waving.” Her piece represents the courage and sacrifice of the brave Americans who have fought for generations to secure our freedoms and build this great nation. “Congratulations to Shae on winning the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District,” said Rep. Ronny Jackson. “I thank everyone who took part in this year’s competition, including the teachers who helped make the contest possible, and I’m excited to see Shea’s work displayed in our Nation’s Capitol.”
This month, HTeaO is once again partnering with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) to help advance the fight against childhood cancer. Beginning May 1, guests at HTeaO locations nationwide will have the opportunity to round up their total to the nearest dollar at checkout, with proceeds supporting ALSF’s work to fund pediatric cancer research and provide critical resources for families impacted by childhood cancer. Throughout the campaign, HTeaO will swap out its signature blue straws for yellow straws as a small but visible reminder of ALSF’s lemonade stand roots. For more, visit https://HTeaO.com.
Tickets are on sale for a one-night-only Memorial Day weekend concert featuring Jack Ingram on Saturday, May 23, at the Pioneer Amphitheatre in Palo Duro Canyon, kicking off the 60th season of the Texas Outdoor Musical. Opening the evening is local favorite Travis Roberts, bringing a high-energy set that showcases the talent and spirit of the Texas Panhandle music scene. The TEXAS Outdoor Musical production will run June 11 through Aug. 1, alongside additional programming including “Shakespeare in the Canyon” on Tuesday evenings in July. Reserve your seats for the concert at www.texas-show.com or by calling 806-651-2181.
ALLIANCE Credit Union opened a temporary branch location on Monday, May 4, at 4711 S. Soncy Rd. in Amarillo. The temporary branch will operate on the same property while the new permanent building is under construction, allowing continued service without interruption. The temporary branch will offer a full range of products and services, and team members will be on-site to assist with transactions and answer questions. Additional details, including hours of operation, are available at alliancecutx.com and on their social media channels.
Brown & Fortunato announced the opening of an office in Salt Lake City, Utah, expanding the firm’s growing national footprint and strengthening its ability to serve clients across the United States. Founded in 1995, the national practice has offices strategically located in Amarillo, Dallas, and Salt Lake City, and is even better positioned to provide seamless, nationwide legal service while maintaining the close attorney client relationships that define the firm’s culture.
Helping Her is a free art show and women’s health resource fair at the Don Harrington Discovery Center, happening Friday, May 29 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Funds from the art show will support free period products in DHDC’s bathrooms and by request at the front desk. Only DHDC’s Space Gallery will be open to interact with community organizations and view or purchase art. Their partner, Free Bleed 806, is accepting art show submissions through May 25. Art in the theme of dinosaurs or space is encouraged, but they’re accepting art on any topic. Email kendra@womenmarch.com to learn more.
Shaun Hardy Sr. of Farwell, earned a Master of Science in Transformational Leadership from University of Maryland Global Campus in winter 2026.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that applications are being accepted for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages from wildfires in Potter, Armstrong, and Oldham counties that occurred Feb. 15 through April 11. ECP signup will end June 3. “The Farm Service Agency can help producers and landowners recover from natural disasters that impacted their operation,” said Adam Acker, FSA County Executive Director for Potter, Armstrong, and Oldham counties. “If you have an immediate need to clean up and restore your operation, please call our office before beginning any restoration activities in order to determine program eligibility and to request restoration practice approval before taking any action.” For more, contact the Potter-Armstrong County FSA Office at 806-468-8600 x2, the Oldham County FSA Office at 806-267-2178 x2, or visit farmers.gov/protection-recovery.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas A&M AgriLife Research will host a wheat field day and plot tour on May 14 in Bushland. Registration for the free event will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the AgriLife Research Station, 2301 Experiment Station Road. The wheat field day will conclude before noon with the annual plot tour. Brent Auvermann, Ph.D., director of the Texas A&M AgriLife High Plains Research and Extension Center, will open the event with a brief overview of the new center located in Canyon and how it ties in with the research being done at Bushland. For more information, contact Kevin Heflin, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension agronomist and assistant professor, Department of Soil and Crop Science, at kevin.heflin@ag.tamu.edu.
Technical Solutions, a leading Managed Technology Services Provider, announced the company has expanded their data discovery and classification solutions designed to help customers’ identify sensitive information, reduce un-necessary exposure, and strengthen compliance. Along with possible legal complications, the rise of AI tools adds another layer of urgency to this issue. “Our goal is to give organizations clarity and confidence,” said founder Gene Wells. “Once you know what data you have and who can access it, you can protect it properly – and that peace of mind is invaluable.” For more information, call (806) 352-1309 or visit www.askts.com.
Mews, the operating system for hospitality, announced that Llano Real Estate Group has selected Mews to power a growing portfolio of hospitality assets across Texas, including hotels, RV parks and short-term rentals. Llano Real Estate Group is rapidly growing its footprint, with nine properties including Cactus Cove Inn & Suites in Amarillo and multiple RV parks and short-term rentals. “Where we’re going as a business requires a completely different level of operational control,” said Matt Marrs, owner of Cactus Cove Inn & Suites and operator at Llano Real Estate Group. “With Mews, everything is faster, more intuitive and built to scale with us.”
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