Austin, TX – January 9, 2018 – On January 20, 2018 the Omelettry restaurant marked its 40th year of doing business in Austin, TX. Opened in 1978 by 23-year old Kenny Carpenter, the restaurant thrived for 37 years on Burnet Road before moving to 4631 Airport Blvd. in May, 2015 after losing its lease at the original location. Now generally managed by son Jesse, Kenny remains as Chief Financial Officer and all-around facilitator.
“We were worried about leaving behind our old location and taking on so much debt at this point in our lives,” said Kenny, “but the restaurant is busier than ever. We had a number of record days over the recent holidays and everyone seems to love the new location.”
Kenny’s career in the restaurant business started as a dishwasher at a Mexican restaurant in Denton, but took off after his dad loaned him $10,000 to start a restaurant in Austin. Not having a formal business background, Kenny created a very different kind of business environment that emphasized cooperation over competition and service over scene making. To this day, waiters pool their tips so that all benefit equally, and the back of the house shares in the profit through bonuses. The Omelettry has always been family-owned and operated, which the owners feel is a big reason for its longevity. In this day of restaurants owned by groups and distant corporations, it’s not that common to see the owners working hard alongside their employees. But it’s part and parcel of the neighborly and family-oriented vibe the Omelettry maintains after all these years.
If you would like more information about the Omelettry’s anniversary or to schedule an interview with Kenny and/or Jesse Carpenter, please call 512-453-5062 or email Jesse at jesse@theomelettry.com
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