San Diego-based Enlightened Hospitality Group‘s (EHGRP) partner and chef Brian Malarkey and CEO James Brennan plan to open a Searsucker restaurant in Austin next month, marking the third Searsucker to open in under three years.
EHGRP first opened Searsucker in San Diego’s Gaslamp District and followed shortly after with the launch of four other “fabric” dining concepts⎯⎯Burlap, Gingham, Gabardine, and Herringbone. In winter 2012, EHGRP opened its second Searsucker in Scottsdale, Arizona their first restaurant outside of the San Diego market.
Los Angeles-based designer Thomas Schoos will provide the design for the 7,000-square-foot space⎯⎯formerly Maria, Mariato⎯⎯mimic other Searsucker locations (all of which he designed). The design idea takes cues from a seersucker style⎯⎯implying vintage Americana themes with influences from the American west.
“I grew up in Portland, Oregon, and have been searching for a like-minded city my whole life⎯⎯one that offers a great collection of restaurants, diverse community, and a culture that doesn’t take itself too seriously,” says Malarkey. “And I found all of this in Austin. The vibe here is incredible.”
