One of the hottest trends in contemporary dining is coming to San Marcos. A trio of restaurant vets will be opening Industry, a new all-day cafe which will begin serving a smoked, quick service menu at 110 E. Martin Luther King Dr. later this summer.
Harlan Scott, a restaurant industry consultant and the former director of operations at Texas-based Parkside Projects, collaborated on the project with Cody Taylor and Todd Havers, the owner and chef, respectively, of Austin favorite Cafe Josie. The three are alumni of Texas State University, which is based in San Marcos.
According to a release, the concept is “meant to be a constant celebration of life in the service industry.” Scott said the subtle theme popped up in during the initial development phase when the team realized they wanted to create something their restaurant industry friends would enjoy, while also welcoming local families, tourists, and students.
Fittingly, the menu will be approachable without losing its insider bonafides. “Everything that can be smoked, will be," says Havers. "This is key to flavor and tenderness but also makes for quick service, the key to being 'every day.'"
Despite the cuisine being developed around a Texas Live Oak smoker, Havers insists "we are not doing barbecue." Instead, the smoke will be used to deepen flavor in an everyday menu that includes approachable cuisine like a burger and green chile queso alongside healthier fare like a sweet potato bowl.
As is increasingly becoming the norm in the restaurant scene, the concept will be counter service, but Industry will hire servers to deliver food and take additional orders. Taylor calls it "counter service, but with actual service."
Taking cues from the name, the decor will be industrial with exposed girders and ducts, brick walls, and open shelving made out of pipes. Most of the seating is provided by custom wood community tables, although there is a scattering of high tops and banquettes.
The restaurant also has a large wraparound patio, which will connect the business to the upcoming Hops & Grain tasting room. Industry’s menu will also be available to brewery guests.
Although an exact date for the restaurant has not been announced, the release teased that they are "two months away from realizing the dream."
Industry will feature counter service, but with servers available to take additional orders and deliver food.
