What we didn't know about SXSWi

The Magnolia Cafe is part of the "inner circle" of SXSW Interactive intelligentsia. We discovered this blog post about us by a fan:

SXSW Interactive (day 1)
Posted by Nick Finck public@digital-web.com
March 7, 2008

...I myself have been busy hammering away the details on my presentation for Saturday only to take a break for a midnight dinner at the notorious Magnolia Cafe were geek ideas for the next killer apps are discussed and new companies are formed seemingly overnight. Tonight there were few from the web industry at the cafe, my guess is because most of them are still stuck in Dallas. Tomorrow should be pretty exciting and we are hoping for a more insightful blog post summary that goes beyond the weather and travel.

We'd like to remind our visitors to Austin that we're open 24/8. We hope that you can stop by, grab a meal, form a new internet company and blog about us.

For a recent review of Magnolia Cafe, please visit this updated page on CitySearch. We're so happy that they recognized the Real Us at "Four and 1/2 Stars!"

Our friends on Flickr enjoy the Sorry sign

sorry (reposted)
Originally uploaded by mofo

It's amazing how this marketing message got started. Let me be clear to say that I wasn't there, but I saw the original sign in the window at the Omelettry West (which later became the Magnolia Cafe under the new ownership by the former sweat equity manager, who later became my husband, Kent Cole).

If you can imagine the intensity of starting your own restaurant AND having to be one of the cooks in the kitchen from opening to closing -- well, this sign is a result of post-traumatic-cook-syndrome.

The sign was prophetic: only years later did we become a 24 hour eatery. Maybe because, when you turned the sign over, it said Come In, We're Closed.

I'll be blogging a bit about our creative marketing choices from 1980-1995 or so. You might enjoy staying in touch with us and seeing the eccentric charm of Kent Cole in print advertising. Thanks for your generous time and curiosity about the Magnola Cafe.

d.p.

Kudos to Magnolia Cafe from Rare Magazine

We've got the scoop from Rare Magazine that Magnolia Cafe will be featured in the upcoming May issue. Rare Magazine has taken a cue from the venerable Austin Chronicle's "Best" list, and they've put together their own "Rarest of the Rare."

The Magnolia Cafe has been chosen in some category, but we don't want to spoil the suspense. We'd just like to thank the two customers who volunteered to eat their lunch in front of the Rare Magazine photographer - thanks to Stacey and Sarah!

Stay tuned to the May issue, and find out who else got a Rare mention for something special.

This, from the Rare Magazine web site:

What is Rare Magazine?

Rare is a monthly magazine based in Austin, Texas -- the coolest city in the world. We represent the best of Austin -- from boutiques to restaurants to artists to realtors and everything in-between. We give our readers a taste of what's local, fun and interesting.

Valentine's Day! 2008

You're looking very beautiful tonight. No, really. I love your hair like that. And you're also looking for a perfect place for a romantic dinner. Well, let's look no further than one of the Magnolia Cafes.

Magnolia Cafe, Lake Austin Blvd., is offering Heart Shaped Ravioli as well as Hearts of Palm Salad, with a nice selection of wines to pair with your selection.

Magnolia Cafe, South Congress, is offering some cozy choices, including Lovin' Lamb Chops, Cornish Game Hen or Halibut with Mango Citron Butter.

Among the many desserts, we offer Gateau Marissa and Chocolate Covered Strawberries.

Making memories.

At two locations.
Magnolia Cafe, 2304 Lake Austin Blvd., Austin
Magnolia Cafe South, 1920 South Congress Ave., Austin

The Magnolia Cafe 2008 calendars are available

The Magnolia Cafes have enjoyed a long history of eclectic marketing efforts. Every year we run a short edition of the Magnolia Cafes annual wall calendar, printed in Mexico. You'll see eight of the designs in the picture above.

The price is only $1.00 each, and the selection of images will surely allow you to find one that matches your decor or holiday gift list.

Available while supplies last, at either Magnolia location:

Magnolia Cafe (original)
2304 Lake Austin Blvd. Google Map

Magnolia Cafe South
1920 S. Congress Ave. Google Map

To order by phone, please call: 512-447-7636
(If you miss us, you can leave a message and we'll call you back.)

Magnolia joins 'Eat Local Week' 12/8-12/15

As part of Austin’s Eat Local Week, both Magnolia Cafes will be serving Chipotle Barbecue Bison Burgers from Saturday, Dec 8 through Friday, Dec 15, 2007. The Texas grass-fed buffalo are raised running free at the Thunder Heart Bison ranches in South Texas. For more info go to thunderheartbison.com

The cafes will donate a part of their proceeds for this week to Urban Roots, which uses sustainable agriculture to help kids learn life and job skills. Urban Roots is part of YouthLaunch, which provides empowering service experiences for young people. For more info go to youthlaunch.org.

Happy Thanksgiving, circa 1981

In the early days of the Omeletry West (before it became the Magnolia Cafe) Thanksgiving was a giant affair for all of the employees. The tables were pushed together in the dining room to make one common table, and Kent was in charge of cooking the turkeys.

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving, with all the trimmings!