Jack Allen's Kitchen

The newest Jack Allen’s Kitchen in Westlake is part of a number of projects the beloved Austin eatery has undertaken over the past year. Chef Jack Gilmore and business partner, Tom Kamm, currently own and operate two other Jack Allen’s Kitchens in the Austin area. The two had been searching for their third location when they came across a recently closed restaurant space near Lake Austin. Gilmore and Kamm acquired the site and selected general contractor, The Burt Group, and Mann & Mann Architects, to completely transform what used to be an Italian restaurant, into the iconic Jack Allen’s Kitchen brand.

Jack Allen's Kitchen

6,700 Sq Ft Extensive Restaurant Conversion

Jack Allen's Kitchen

Details

The newest Jack Allen’s Kitchen in Westlake is part of a number of projects the beloved Austin eatery has undertaken over the past year. Chef Jack Gilmore and business partner, Tom Kamm, currently own and operate two other Jack Allen’s Kitchens in the Austin area. The two had been searching for their third location when they came across a recently closed restaurant space near Lake Austin. Gilmore and Kamm acquired the site and selected general contractor, The Burt Group, and Mann & Mann Architects, to completely transform what used to be an Italian restaurant, into the iconic Jack Allen’s Kitchen brand.

  • 6,700 Square Feet
  • Extensive Restaurant Conversion
Menu

Vision

Jack Allen’s Kitchen’s brand ambience is known for its warm hues, local artwork and twinkling lights that create a welcoming environment for patrons. In order to carry the aesthetic forward, the architect incorporated these brand sensitive elements, along with clean and open lines, higher ceilings, and the use of reclaimed wood panels, into the new location’s design.

The new location first required extensive demolition. All of the former restaurant’s interior was removed, slabs were retrenched for new plumbing lines and the entire kitchen was gutted and rebuilt from the ground up to meet Jack Allen’s Kitchen specifications. Additionally, the bar was torn down and relocated to a different side of the restaurant to better accommodate the restaurant’s new layout. A large outdoor patio with a fireplace was added to take advantage of the Texas Hill Country’s surrounding views.

Challenges

As with many Austin projects, permitting can be a struggle whenever a new site design is introduced. The relocation of the bar area involved extensive demolition and rework to the concrete slab, and required an entirely new plumbing infrastructure. To comply with the latest Austin Energy codes, the restaurant would require all new heating and cooling equipment. The location also needed additional structural beams incorporated into the existing roof system. In spite of these unforeseen requirements, The Burt Group was able to complete the project on time and within budget, while ensuring the highest quality results.

Success

Chef Jack Gilmore’s southern-inspired, farm-to-table restaurants rely on local farmers for produce and emphasize seasonality in their cooking. The popular restaurant brand’s locally sourced comfort food appeals to the everyman and foodies alike. The restaurant’s culture, Hill Country location and focus on creating a memorable dining experience ensures this third location will be successful for years to come.

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