Today we’d like to introduce you to Sutton Van Gunten.
Sutton, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
After many years working in dives on sixth and at places like Threadgills I was hired on at Whole Foods Market for the opening of the flagship store at 6th & Lamar in 2005. After five years with the company as a supervisor and safety/knife skills trainer I left to open my own business. I opened Gonzo Juice in 2011 after finding an antique trailer with a giant 3D rooster had attached to the top. Off to the races. Within a couple years I bought a Chevy panel van and turned it into a food truck. In 2015 I sold everything I owned, borrowed from anyone who would listen, and moved to Lockhart to remodel a space on the historic town square. After five months living in the space we opened in December of 2015. Ten years, and a move to a bigger location later, and we are still open here in town serving some of the best brunch around. In 2018 I met the adorable and talented Pastry Chef Shelby and convinced her to marry me in 2019. We have really blossomed the cafe and all of its verities since we have teamed up. It’s been amazing ever since. Together we are taking on the world.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I brought my business to Lockhart simply because I could not afford to open a brick and mortar in Austin. New restaurants open in Austin every week, and they are shutting down just as quickly. Between the high expense and uncertainty of success I shied away from taking the plunge there. As I began to venture out and investigate the satellite communities I fell in love with Lockhart. More importantly I found a space I could afford. Growing in town hasn’t been the easiest though. Lockhart is slowly blossoming from the sleepy little city it was for a long long time. We did not experience an overnight success. On the contrary, I worked the stove myself for 8 years with just enough staff to keep going. Most entrepreneurs would have given up, but since I had cobbled it together from grass roots I figured I should just keep trying as long as I was having fun, and I did. And I’m glad I did too. These long years may have produced a more bustling empire in a different city, but I’ve grown to love my home here, and I have been embraced by the community in a lovely way. Most importantly I had to move here so I could meet Shelby.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At the cafe we focus on American food with attention to regional favorites from around the country. We also branch out and feature buffets full of international flavors. We also sell art. I’ve always loved art. Every kind of art. In school I was an avid member of the drama, art, and music scenes. Although I was never great at all art, music for instance, I still love it so. Food, for me, has always been an opportunity to combine my love for art and my appreciation for delicious grub. I’ve used the plate as a pallet for many years. In the last couple years, since we were finally able to staff the restaurant full of other talented culinarians I have been able to explore other mediums. Leather crafting and sewing have taken some more focus these days, and I’ve taught myself to make some pretty fun stuff. Mostly bespoke handbags, but I’m branching slowly.
How do you think about luck?
I don’t really believe in luck so much as I believe in Karma. I feel that you get back from the universe what you put out. I try my hardest to stay as positive as I can and put the best energy possible out into the world. As a result I have felt mostly protected from the terribleness of the universe, and spoiled with the leniency. I don’t take this for granted, and I try to stay positive and look at the silver lining when things do go wrong. And they do, but life comes at you fast and there is no reverse gear, so we strive forward with a smile and a helping hand.
Pricing:
- Our average meal will cost you around $20
- We offer an affordable all you can eat buffet on the weekends
Contact Info:
- Website: https://marketstreetlockhart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketstcafeltx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1MbyWGG1xC/
- Other: https://www.toasttab.com/market-street-cafe-lockhart
