Building a brand from scratch over the last few months has been a lot of fun, and a big part of that has been explaining what we’re doing. Spencer and I have our verbal rundown and pitch pretty solid, but we know there may still be some confusion for those who have found us strictly online. To help with that, this Friday we’ll be releasing our introduction video, which will be straightforward and easy to find on our socials.

Now, when people hear about us or when we reach out to businesses to collaborate, they’ll be able to watch a quick video and understand what we’re all about. We hope you enjoy it, and we’re excited to continue taking steps toward our first documentary video and collaborative merch drop.

Speaking of merch, we’ve started ordering samples, which is really exciting. Soon you’ll be able to rock an Austin Archives trucker hat and t-shirt around town.

This week, we’re spotlighting Phil’s Ice House, a true Austin classic. Phil’s opened in 2006 on Burnet Road, right next to an Amy’s Ice Creams, and quickly became a neighborhood favorite.

The restaurant was opened by the Simmons family, the founders of Amy’s Ice Creams, in honor of Phil Clay, a beloved friend and former business partner of Amy Simmons. Phil passed away in 2001, and opening Phil’s was the family’s way of commemorating him and celebrating their friendship. Now with multiple locations, Phil’s continues to bring people together with burgers named after Austin neighborhoods, sweet potato fries, and shakes made with Amy’s Ice Creams.

Whether it’s a casual lunch with friends, a weekend family outing, or just a stop to grab a local favorite, Phil’s embodies that warm local Austin vibe we love. Spencer and I recommend the 78704 burger (add bacon and mixed fries, trust us).

South Congress has always been one of Austin’s most iconic streets, a place where the city’s creativity, quirks, and community intersect. In the past, it was home to one of a kind local shops like Lucy in Disguise and Monkey See Monkey Do (now relocated off South Lamar). These businesses weren’t just stores, they were gathering spaces, incubators of culture, and landmarks that gave the street its unmistakable personality.

But over the years, South Congress has changed. The hum of local business energy now shares the street with larger brands like Nike and Alo. These companies bring polish, marketing clout, and Instagram ready storefronts, signaling a shift. At times, the street now feels more like a stage for commerce than a hub for community.

It’s not inherently bad, these brands bring attention, tourism, and investment, but it’s worth remembering the small businesses that made this street legendary. So we leave you with this question: as you stroll down South Congress, what do you notice that’s changing, and what do you hope stays the same?

Thanks for stopping by, we’ll be back next next Monday.

- Andrew (and Spencer, he’s finding himself in Japan at the moment)