Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Martin.
Hi Leslie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started Bouldin in 2000 with the help of a friend, Lisa Goodell. Small, funky local businesses were getting replaced by stark corporations back then, and it mattered to me to keep that creative DIY spirit alive in the city.
Originally, I just wanted a community meeting space that would inspire people. We started out more as a coffeehouse with a small food menu, and we kept it vegetarian because I’d been a longtime vegetarian myself and it just felt right. Over time, most people who came to Bouldin ordered food, and we became a busy restaurant trying to function inside a tiny old building. I loved the vibe of the space, but it was starting to fall apart, and every part of it was too small. As much as that place meant to me, it was becoming too hard, and burnout was creeping in.
Then I got the opportunity to take over the current space at 1900 South First Street, and it wasn’t something I could pass up. I still wanted Bouldin to be the same community-focused place it always was, just in a space actually built for the full-blown restaurant we’d become. It took a while for Bouldin 2.0 to find its groove, and change can be hard, but things are great now. We have a great staff, the space is filled with art and laughter, our food is better than ever, and we’re closing in on 26 years.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The old space was hard to keep up with. We didn’t have a walk-in, and most of the seating was outside, which came with its own challenges. The move was totally worth it, but it was rough. I think I underestimated how different it would be, and it took a while to get things running smoothly.
I honestly thought for a minute that I’d made a mistake. Some of our regulars felt like we’d lost what made us Bouldin. It hurt. I was afraid the community we’d built was broken. There were many sleepless nights, but with my staff’s help, we built it all back and more.
The main struggle now is keeping up with property taxes and the high cost of living in general, for the restaurant, our guests, and the staff we take care of.
We’ve been impressed with Bouldin Creek Cafe, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Bouldin is a progressive-minded cafe in Austin, Texas. We strive to keep our food affordable and to have a diverse clientele. We’re the top-rated vegetarian restaurant and have grown into a mostly vegan cafe over time. Our claim to fame is that we attract a lot of people who aren’t vegan or vegetarian, and it’s a pleasure exposing them to both our food and our culture.
We have a soft spot for the underdog and like to use the restaurant as a platform to do good in the city. We love the network of small, homegrown businesses in Austin and believe in their importance. When you come into Bouldin, we want you to feel something unique, something that might just feel like home.
How do you think about happiness?
Honestly, it’s the simple stuff. I get a kick out of connecting people, whether that’s networking or just introducing folks to each other. Joking around with my staff makes even a hectic shift fun, and coming home to my dog at the end of the day never gets old.
Outside of work, I’ve been learning Spanish, which stretches my brain in a different way than running a restaurant does. I love getting in the water and swimming when I can. It clears my head like nothing else. I’ve also been slowly working on my house, which scratches that same hands-on, building-something itch that Bouldin does. But really, nothing beats time with my family and my partner. That’s what actually recharges me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bouldincreekcafe.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bouldincreekcafeatx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BouldinCreekCafe/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bouldin-creek-cafe-austin
