Mueller March 2025

Mueller

March 2025

A BRIGHT SPOT FOR READERS FIRST LIGHT BOOKS

BUILDING MOMENTUM

SIANNE BOREHAM

Cheers!

B.D. Riley’s Irish Pub

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Protecting workers.

Supporting communities.

Building a brighter future.

Texas Mutual Insurance Company isn’t just the state’s leading workers’ compensation provider—we’re a part of the communities in which we serve. As we protect Texas businesses and strengthen the local economy, we’re also dedicated to uplifting our neighborhoods. Inspired by the local people, flora and fauna, the mural, “Taking Flight,” is our gift to the Mueller community as a vibrant symbol of our connection to and celebration of what makes Mueller so special.

Visit texasmutual.com/mural to learn more.

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MARCH 2025

Contents

12

16

20

6

26

8 F E AT U R ES

12 Central Pub

Steve Basile and John Erwin have made B.D. Riley’s Irish Pub a vibrant neighborhood focal point.

16 Dawn of a Bookstore

Open less than two years, First Light Books and its café brighten the local scene.

20 Working Together

Sianne Boreham gathers remote workers into a face-to-face collaborative group known as Momentum Monday.

IN EVE RY ISSU E

4

Publisher’s Note THE WARMTH OF MUELLER

6

What’s New EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS

8

Meet Me at the Market THE CHEESECAKE BAR

26 Local Tastes FOOD ON WHEELS 30 Perspectives STORY BY SAFFIA JOLLAH 32 Photo Op WINTER WONDERS ON TH E COVE R

B.D. Riley’s Irish Pub co-owners Steve Basile (left) and John Erwin have aimed to make their establishment an authentic and welcoming place with happy employees and a diverse clientele.

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YourNeighbor, Neighbor,Your YourRealtor, Realtor,Your YourAdvocate Advocate Your S TAT N UMEUL E L OLCOACLARLERAELAELSETAT E EEXEPXEPRETROT NO M LL E LRE’ SR ’LSI FLEI FSETS YTL Y EL E

a real estate professional proud resident of the Mueller neighborhood, I love being As aAsreal estate professional andand proud resident of the Mueller neighborhood, I love being a part of this vibrant, close-knit community.

With its mix of modern homes, green spaces, a part of this vibrant, close-knit community.

With its mix of modern homes, green spaces, walkable amenities, Mueller truly offers something special.

Living gives andand walkable amenities, Mueller truly offers something special.

Living herehere gives me me an an inside perspective on the area’s unique market lifestyle, which I use to help clients make inside perspective on the area’s unique market andand lifestyle, which I use to help clients make informed confident decisions.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about informed andand confident decisions.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about thethe neighborhood, always happy to share expertise enthusiasm amazing neighborhood, I’mI’m always happy to share my my expertise andand enthusiasm for for thisthis amazing place home. place we we callcall home.

Soud Twal Soud Twal

GLOBAL REAL ESTATE ADVISOR GLOBAL REAL ESTATE ADVISOR

512.787.8617 512.787.8617 soud.twal@sothebysrealty.com soud.twal@sothebysrealty.com soudtwal.com soudtwal.com

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Mueller MAGAZINE

The Warmth of Mueller

PHOTOGRAPH BY MARGARITA GARCIA ACEVEDO

this issue, visiting First Light Books and its café in Hyde Park. This place is so interesting and cool, we should all pay it a visit.

For this month’s Meet Me at the Market feature, she also talks with the owners of the Cheesecake Bar. If you haven’t tried its delicious treats at the market, once you read the proprietors’ inspiring story, you will certainly want to!

As the weather gets warmer, March is a great month to grab some food at one of Mueller’s food trucks. Cristina Tangredi checks out all of them. With two new trucks recently added, she highlights each one and gives a rundown on the many food options they offer.

And finally, if spring fever leaves you lacking motivation, we talk with Sianne Boreham, the founder of Motivation Monday—a welcoming coworking group that is more than just a place to work with others; it is also a community built on support and shared experiences.

I also wanted to give a shout to everyone who sent in photos from this winter’s minisnowstorm. Although the snow only lasted a few hours, it was enough time for snow-starved folks here in Mueller to get out and enjoy. This month in Photo Op we show just a few images sent to us. Keep those great photos coming!

Well, winter came and went in the

blink of an eye, and we are ready for the beautiful Texas weather we enjoy in the spring.

March brings with it the return of outdoor activities, Austin’s own SXSW and, of course, St. Patrick’s Day! Everyone is Irish on St. Paddy’s Day, and no one does it better than our very own B.D. Riley’s!

To help get us in the mood, we spoke with Steve Basile and John Erwin, co-owners of our favorite neighborhood pub. We all know that this place is much more than a watering hole. It is, in fact, our very own community center with a fascinating history of its own.

Carmen Gray does double duty in

Liz Reingold Publisher

Editor & Publisher Liz Reingold Writers Carmen Gray Cristina Tangredi Photographer Margarita Garcia Acevedo Marketing Coordinator Alexandra Garcia

WAINSCOT MEDIA Chairman Carroll V. Dowden President and CEO Mark Dowden VP, Group Publisher, Regional Thomas Flannery VP, Content Strategy Maria Regan Creative Director Kijoo Kim Art Director Rosemary O›Connell Executive Editor Richard Laliberte Associate Editor Sophia Carlisle Advertising Services Director Jacquelynn Fischer Operations Director Catherine Rosario Production Designer Chris Ferrante Print Production Manager Fern Meshulam Advertising Production Associate Griff Dowden

Mueller magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Mueller, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2025 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

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WHAT’S NEW

In the Neighborhood HELP DEVELOP A PARENTS’ PLATFORM Calling all parents! A Mueller resident and mom has launched Recess, a platform that makes it easier to find after-school programs and camps in Austin. And they’d love your feedback! Share your favorite kids’ programs, what you wish existed and your biggest challenges at support@hellorecess.com to help shape Recess! Visit hello-recess.com to learn more.

EYEING NEW VISION SERVICES Discover a personalized eyecare experience at the newly opened Parkside Family Vision office. Dr. Nick Chu, OD, a proud Mueller resident since 2011, is excited to welcome you to his new location at 1701 Simond St., Unit 108. For more information, visit www.parksidefamilyvision.com.

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‘UNVEILED:’ A SNEAK PEAK Join the cast of the musical “Unveiled” for a sneak preview and performance at Batch Craft Beer and Kolaches. The musical follows a young woman who is thrust into the king’s service, is crowned queen and must risk everything to save her people.

Saturday, March 15 1 to 2 p.m.

3220 Manor Road

MARCH 2025

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MEET ME AT THE MARKET

Charming CHEESECAKE When Evette Harvin’s flavorful, home-based concoctions gained a private following, she successfully launched The Cheesecake Bar.

BY CARMEN GRAY

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Evette Harvin offers selections from The Cheesecake Bar at the Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller as well as at her shop in the nearby Old Taylor High School community of unique businesses in Taylor. She started her venture during the pandemic as she battled breast cancer and overcame those challenges to grow a flourishing business.

It was a cold, gray day nearing

the closing time at the Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller, but Evette Harvin, owner and creator of The Cheesecake Bar, wore a bright smile and pink sunglasses at her booth. Her neatly arranged jars of sweet creations can be found just outside the pavilion building, directly across from the splash pad at Branch Park on Sundays.

I spoke with Harvin and her equally energetic husband, Gregg, who was all-hands-on-deck to help make sales, about the business and how things were going at the market.

You can’t miss Harvin’s vibrant personality and upbeat energy. Her

concept began in 2020, a trying time that was not only during the COVID-19 pandemic but also just shortly after she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. That kind of situation would take the wind out of anyone’s sails, but truly, she is the epitome of resilience and inspiration.

“I was searching for something positive to focus on—a creative and fulfilling distraction from the challenges of my diagnosis,” she says. “Baking, particularly crafting cheesecakes, became that outlet.”

She found much joy in experimenting with different flavors and sharing her amazing concoctions with friends

and family. Their encouragement led her to turn this passion into a thriving business.

“The Cheesecake Bar is a reflection of resilience, creativity and the comfort that dessert can bring,” Harvin says, “even in life’s most difficult moments.”

Handmade in Small Batches

The Cheesecake Bar began selling its products at the Mueller market just over a year ago, in January 2024.

According to Harvin, it’s been an incredible opportunity to connect with the community and share her passion for cheesecake with others.

She feels the market provides a

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MEET ME AT THE MARKET

Evette Harvin (here with husband Gregg) offers a diverse selection of cheesecake flavors, including classics such as strawberry and banana along with popular boozy tastes such as Naughty Nana’s Bourbon Peach Cobbler and Rum Chata Swirl.

spirited, supportive environment for her business, and it’s easy to see why as customers flutter around her stall like bees to honey.

With many different options to choose from, The Cheesecake Bar is especially well known for its boozy cheesecake flavors, which bring a fun and unique twist to the classic dessert.

There are two contenders for favorites: Naughty Nana’s Bourbon Peach Cobbler and Rum Chata Swirl.

Harvin also offers classic favorites like the O.G. (strawberry), Banana Pudding, Brownie Turtle, Oreo-flavored cheesecakes and newly available flavors such as her I Got The Lemon Blues (lemon blueberry).

I love that The Cheesecake Bar is a Texas-born, small-batch cheesecake shop that serves handcrafted treats with unique flavors and a clearly Southern charm that this Texas girl appreciates. From timeless classics to creative twists, Harvin says, “each

cheesecake is made with care and the finest local ingredients to deliver an indulgent, unforgettable experience.”

Backed by Brick and Mortar

You’ll find Harvin’s shop just a short drive away in nearby Taylor, within the beautifully restored Old Taylor High School. The shop lies inside a historic and busy location that thrives on being part of a community of unique businesses.

The high school, which was built in 1923, was restored to its original design and is now home to 19 restaurants and retail shops as well as food trucks and an outdoor venue for larger events.

It’s possible to get a sense of Texas Hollywood while browsing Harvin’s shop: Old Taylor High’s campus has been a popular filming location.

Productions have included “Fear the Walking Dead” and the “Walker” reboot as well as music videos, movies and even a Showtime documentary. You may just

bump into cast and crew enjoying local flavors in the restaurants on campus during meal breaks.

Apparently, all the positive energy that Harvin has lovingly infused into The Cheesecake Bar has paid off: The business will soon be opening at another location in east Austin, making it even easier for more area customers to enjoy Harvin’s treats.

“We’ve been accepted at a permanent spot on East Cesar Chavez for our dessert trailer,” Harvin shares with obvious excitement. “We plan to open in March 2025!”

With The Cheesecake Bar being one of only a few Black-owned and -operated farm-to-(dessert)-table establishments in the Central Texas region, Harvin and her family are quite familiar with breaking barriers. Harvin is a well-earned thriver in the face of challenges that life has thrown her way, and she continues to inspire others and make her customers smile.

Carmen Gray is a dual-language teacher, a published author and freelance writer, and contributing editor for Latino magazine.

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Central Pub Steve Basile and John Erwin have made B.D. Riley’s Irish Pub a vibrant neighborhood focal point.

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Opposite page, top: B.D. Riley’s Irish Pub is both a geographic and community hub with a central location, lively atmosphere and captivating water tank dressed up as a keg. (Photograph by Jane Yun.) Above: Steve Basile (left) and John Erwin (right) with kitchen manager Juan Valdez, whom the owners describe as “a ray of sunshine in the kitchen and front of the house, always smiling and a great asset.”

If you have ever searched for the quintessential neighborhood Irish pub, you know how hard it is to find. And if you do happen to stumble upon one, it is even rarer to find that the pub is a welcoming community gathering place that anchors a whole neighborhood.

But these rare qualities describe our own B.D. Riley’s Irish Pub to a tee.

Wedged in the crossroads of Mueller’s downtown, B.D Riley’s prides itself on being the favorite go-to spot for enjoying

great food, grabbing a beer and watching a game—even hearing live music.

The eighth anniversary of our neighborhood pub takes place later in 2025, and this month marks its seventh St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

Co-owners Steve Basile and John Erwin are an unlikely pair. Basile is a jovial, gregarious former East Coast tech guy. Erwin is a slighter, more reserved Texan. But the two partners share a love for beer and for creating community.

They reflect on the journey that brought them to this milestone.

Tapping a Vision Their partnership began with their first venture downtown. That pub enjoyed a 20-year run as a vital part of the Sixth Street scene before it closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Authenticity has always been front and center for the partners’ pubs. In both locations, the bars were built in Ireland,

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Left: The water tank outside the pub could have been an eyesore, but pub owners Basile (left) and Erwin sought permission to give it a mock tap, creating a popular community landmark and selfie magnet.

the pub, they didn’t complain. Instead, they came up with an amazing idea: They got the go-ahead to paint it and place a tap on it.

The location and tank have gone on to become an iconic focal point of Mueller—a neighborhood selfie spot and popular meeting place.

shipped here and installed by Irish workers.

There is no shortage of stories about the history behind the pubs, right down to the name B.D. Riley’s, which is derived from Erwin’s grandmother Bessie Dee Riley, who, by the way, never drank a drop of alcohol in her life.

Mueller was just developing when Basile and Erwin decided to scout the neighborhood as a location for their second pub. At that point, Mueller was nothing more than a smattering of homes and a few businesses.

The partners took a leap of faith, buying into the vision of what Mueller could become. And that leap of faith has paid off !

We all know that Mueller has more than fulfilled that vision, but it wasn’t always an easy journey getting there.

Basile and Erwin were drawn to their Mueller location—right in the center of everything. They saw the potential for this spot, and when the 700-gallon rainwater tank was plunked down right in front of

Wide Appeal Opening on April 7, 2014 (National Beer Day), B.D. Riley’s quickly became a community center.

As an official fan club location for the New England Patriots, Notre Dame Fighting Irish football and Liverpool soccer club, the pub attracts boisterous, excited crowds that gather both inside and out on game days.

The cheers can be heard from blocks away. But it is in the quieter moments when the impact of this special place can certainly be felt.

Families with kids (often with dogs in tow) stop in for a meal. A group of seniors, the Wisdom Crew, meet regularly, sharing their common experiences. People wander in as they hear live Irish music spilling out of the open doors. Neighbors stop in for a

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beer and great conversation. The warmth and welcoming feeling is palpable.

The importance of this is not lost on Basile. “An Irish pub is like a four-legged stool, with great food, draft beer, live music and conversation,” he says. “If any of these legs are missing, the stool falls over.

Without friendly conversation, it really is just a bar.”

A Welcoming Vibe Asked what one thing they are most proud of, both Erwin and Basile answered exactly same way. Aside from creating the community atmosphere, they both marvel at the retention and longevity of their staff.

This, of course, does not happen by accident. During COVID, they continued to keep their staff employed, pay them and even provide food for them when possible.

Retention of staff means consistency and continuity. The partners pay their staff well and treat them like family. There is a sense of camaraderie among the staff that is also felt by the patrons.

Erwin and Basile couldn’t feel more at home than right here in Mueller. As they prepare for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities, they recognize that what they have here is special.

“Mueller was a community first,” Basile says. “We joined after it was already established, and the community welcomed us with open arms. It is really the opposite of the Domain, which was retail, bars and restaurants first, and then they added apartments. What is the key missing component in that scenario? Community!

Mueller has that in spades!”

If you are looking for a great place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this month, look no further than our very own Irish pub. The celebration starts early and goes late. It is certainly the place to be!

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Dawn of a

BOOKSTORE Open less than two years, First Light Books and its café brighten the local scene.

BY CARMEN GRAY

Hyde Park is one of Austin’s best-preserved central neighborhoods and lies adjacent to Mueller, just west of I-35. If you are a coffee or book aficionado, you may have already had a chance to stop in at the recently opened First Light Books and its café, where a longtime post office once resided on the corner of 43rd Street and Speedway.

The bookstore’s owners, Taylor and Robin Bruce, along with manager Breezy Mayo, have created a unique, incisive and unexpected neighborhood spot ripe with character that fits right into the historic neighborhood.

I was able to catch Mayo midday on a busy Friday and chat with her over a cup of tea about the inception of the place. She told me that Robin, a poetry major in college, spent years running a business school and honing

her entrepreneurial spirit.

Mayo herself hails from the hospitality world at Austin’s beloved Bunkhouse and beyond, bringing an original and personable level of service and culture to First Light across its events, membership program and café.

More than Books The bookstore, named in tribute to the feeling of possibility and moments of reflection at daybreak, has a comfortable, relaxing vibe that matches its name.

You’ll see plenty of people, both inside and outside the shop, lingering over a hot beverage with a book or laptop open, sitting solo or in quiet conversation with a friend or colleague.

There’s a wide selection for all readers,

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including literary fiction and popular nonfiction and memoir, a distinctive range of poetry (no surprise!), a robust cookbook corner, expert-vetted lists for niche subject areas (photography, design, gardening, sports, architecture, history, spirituality and more) and a very inviting kid’s section that blends classic and contemporary.

In addition to perusing books, I found myself browsing a delightful collection of stationery, games, art supplies and even home goods. I purchased some fun bookish curios for my daughter, an avid reader and book collector herself.

As I have attended a handful of book signings at the shop, I was already familiar with one of the community offerings available at First Light. Mayo notes that community programming is a critical part of the bookstore.

“There are tons of regulars who come by here all of the time,” she says. “People want to bring friends and family here. There’s a lot of pride in this place.”

Mayo makes a connection between the store and the building’s former life: “A post office is a place of communication and a place where you run into friends, right? The energy of connection just

continues as a bookstore in the location.”

As if on cue, a customer she recognizes stops by to say hello.

Responding to Needs It’s no surprise that First Light is wellsupported by the community. The café offers morning pastries by Austin’s own Texas French Bread. Coffee and espresso come from local roasters Figure Eight.

You can grab a morning cup of joe and a croissant at the storefront window, from 7 a.m. daily if you are an early bird.

Evening book-club-goers and night owls might indulge in European-inspired snacks, a well-curated wine menu and local beverages from St. Elmo and Fairweather Cider in the café and on the terrace.

The last Thursday evening of the month offers a popular Trivia Night. The spirit of community and connectedness blends perfectly with the neighborhood, and it’s no surprise. It turns out that Robin and Taylor lived a few blocks away in the early days of their marriage and would take regular walks around the neighborhood and past the post office.

They always sought out the best, small bookstores everyplace they traveled and

imagined that one day they would open a true community bookstore. It’s been a dream come true, and everything just seems to have fallen perfectly into place ever since First Light’s opening on August 19, 2023.

“Growth here has been great,” Mayo says. “We are still figuring it all out, but we definitely want First Light to be an institution and let it become itself.”

The idea is to let it be guided by the customers and community based on their needs and usage. “We like to observe how people use the space and want to develop it into what it will become,” Mayo says. “There is a strong vibe of the space being rooted in the community and clearly a sense of place.”

A Variety of Programs An earthy palette and pops of color that maintain tradition within Hyde Park lend a modern and sophisticated yet warm feel in the surroundings.

Customers bustle in and out, pause by a bookshelf to read a little, sit inside one of the several nooks between the shelves or enjoy the shade on a sunny day surrounded by native plants outside on the terrace.

It’s clear First Light is expanding in many ways. There was only one book club offering

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Above, from left: Manager Breezy Mayo with First Light owners Robin and Taylor Bruce. Together, they aim to create a comfortable, relaxing space where patrons can fulfill a variety of needs, such as a good read, a morning cup of coffee or programs that include book and chess clubs—and even a happy hour.

LEARN MORE First Light Books is open at 4300 Speedway in Austin from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. For more information, visit www. firstlightaustin.com or find the bookstore on Instagram @firstlightbooks.

last year; four are happening this year.

There is a chess club on Wednesdays with Annie Tate (who used to teach chess at Pease elementary). It occurs at 5 p.m. and is available to both children and adults.

Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m., families gather for Children’s Storytime with picture books.

Lastly, there’s happy hour Mondays through Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m.,

offering half-price bottles of wine and $2-off draft beers. Even more community events are certain to be in the offing within the next year.

Like an early bird at dawn, First Light seems to have caught the worm and keeps on basking in success.

Carmen Gray has lived in Austin since 1992.

She is a dual-language teacher, a published author and freelance writer, and contributing editor for Latino magazine.

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Working Together Sianne Boreham gathers remote workers into a face-to-face collaborative group known as Momentum Monday.

Who couldn’t use a little extra momentum on a Monday—or a Wednesday or even a Friday? Out of the sudden workplace shifts of the COVID-19 pandemic era, Sianne Boreham recognized how remote working and isolation were taking a toll on her personally. She suspected she was not alone in feeling this way.

Having recently started her own business, the “Sunday scaries” became debilitating for her. “By Monday, I had so much anxiety about work that I could hardly bring myself to answer an email,” she says. “I needed accountability and, as it turns out, I also needed peers, mentors, a support system.”

Momentum Monday became her answer.

Starting with a couple of girlfriends, Boreham sent invites to meet on Mondays

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Opposite page: Sianne Boreham started Momentum Monday out of a need to connect with others after the pandemic triggered workplace shifts that fostered isolation.

Groups meet at a variety of common-space locations throughout the community.

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Beyond being coworkers, participants in Momentum Monday have become a community in which members support each other and develop relationships. Boreham says that friendships, inside jokes and even drama or romances make the group special, and that a sense of community ultimately promotes productivity.

in a collaborative coworking group.

The group’s methodology involves having individual work time anchored by breaks that include socialization, movement and fitness bursts as well as moments of mindfulness.

At first, few showed up. But just a few months later, a small but mighty group of regulars had formed. This group has continued to grow ever since.

Eventually people started asking for more coworking days, so Wednesdays and Fridays were added.

To date, there are about 60 regular members. In total, around 1,500 participants have popped in and out over the past few years.

The Monday group meets at Lazarus Brewing Company on Airport Boulevard from 9 a.m. to noon; the Wednesday group gathers at Easy Tiger on South Lamar; and the Friday group meets at Lazarus Brewing on East

Sixth. The relaxed, easy atmosphere and welcoming spirit of the owners have given Momentum Monday its home.

Working and Living What makes this coworking group different from any others that exist?

Community! Individual productivity is the priority. When that is coupled with a structured group work session, productivity can occur organically.

“We’ve hit the Goldilocks zone,” Boreham says. “Every component of the schedule is designed to trick people into thinking they’re having fun, but really, they’re getting their minds, bodies and spirits nurtured in order to maximize their efficiency at work. From the meditation that kicks us off, to the midday free time, to the end-of-session walks, it’s all very intentional and effective.”

The Monday we visited at the Lazarus

on Airport location, it was a cold, raw, January day. We arrived during the middle of a work session, so each person sat huddled in their space engaged in whatever they were working on, sipping whatever warm beverage helped to shake off the chill.

As soon as the timer went off and it was break time, something beautiful happened. It was one of the participant’s birthday, and one of the regulars surprised the coworker with a cake.

Everyone broke into “Happy Birthday” and grabbed a piece of cake. Before they got through the frosting, break time was up and they were right back to their individual work.

Boreham’s smile says it all. She knows that this group consistently shows up for one another and supports each other no matter what.

“The friendships that people establish, the cliques that form, the inside jokes,

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the support when people are having a hard day, the romance between members, even the drama that inevitably pops up, make this group so special,” she says.

An Agenda for Expansion But Boreham’s smile should not be mistaken for complacency. She is constantly thinking of ways to expand the footprint of Momentum Monday and spread her philosophy to as many people as possible.

Her latest extension has come in the form of weeklong retreats. Having lived in South America in college and knowing Spanish, she decided to merge two of the most special parts of her life together.

“Our weeklong experiences in South America are the perfect intersection of my affinity for Latin culture, passion for adventure and courage to step outside the box,” she says. “What was originally intended to be a week of optimizing productivity has evolved into a lifechanging experience that reinvigorates guests’ sense of wellbeing and personal power, incorporating healthy movement, mindfulness and nourishment practices.”

It’s her own version of boot camp for the mind and body.

And she is not stopping there. Being up close and personal to the success of the Austin groups has given her momentum of her own to try and expand the message outside of Austin.

Her goal is to franchise the business into other cities. First on her list are Ashville, North Carolina, and Boulder, Colorado.

“Everyone has to work,” she muses.

“Why not leverage those hours to create community, which ultimately optimizes productivity? At the end of the day, our core virtue is helping each other.

Implicitly and explicitly, the rising tide lifts all ships.”

The Momentum Monday format builds in breaks during the day when workers can set aside tasks and socialize or engage in activities. During a recent gathering at Lazarus Brewing Company, collaborators marked a colleague’s birthday.

MARCH 2025

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Reach virtually EVERY home in Mueller with your business message.

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8/12/24 10:01 AM

Calling all Mueller poets and writers!

The new Perspectives department is for YOU! Send us your poems and short essays (max 350-400 words) to share with your Mueller neighbors.

Send submissions to hello@muellermagazine.com.

Welcome to Origin Hotel Austin, where Texas hospitality comes with a side of Lone Star spunk. Origin Austin, a Wyndham Hotel, pairs urban-chic guest rooms and luxury hotel amenities with state-of-the-art fitness, fun and fresh flavors from Blue Lacy as a lively newcomer in the capital city's vibrant Mueller neighborhood.

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LOCAL TASTES

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Food on Wheels Discovering diverse flavors at the Mueller Trailer Eats food truck park supports the community one bite at a time.

BY CRISTINA TANGREDI

Food trucks bring so much to the table—literally and figuratively.

These mobile kitchens serve as hubs of connection, offering a vibrant social experience, a window into diverse cultures and dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients.

Fortunately, the Mueller neighborhood has a dynamic food truck scene right in our backyard!

A Taste of Community Food trucks do more than serve great food; they bring people together through shared meals and a lively atmosphere.

A food truck park creates a unique, communal experience where a variety of flavors are just steps apart, making it easy to satisfy different tastes in one gathering.

Whether you’re grabbing a freshbrewed coffee before a morning stroll

or sharing a delicious meal with friends, food trucks foster a welcoming atmosphere that strengthens connections with your community.

Beyond convenience, food trucks also make diverse cuisines more accessible, offering everything from plant-based creations to comfort foods. They provide a platform for local chefs to showcase their talents, an opportunity to support small businesses and a way to introduce new flavors to the neighborhood.

In Mueller, the thriving food truck scene features beloved trucks like Steamway Coffee, Stonehouse Wood Fire Grill and Concr. (formerly Conscious Cravings), alongside exciting newcomers like Hippy Eats and The Original New Orleans Po-Boy and Gumbo Shop.

These mobile kitchens add character to the community, turning every visit

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Mueller Trailer Eats food truck park gathers multiple vendors offering a variety of flavors at a single location not far from Mueller Lake.

into a chance to explore, connect and savor. So let’s explore the delicious offerings at the Mueller Trailer Eats food truck park.

Steamway Coffee This cozy trailer is the perfect place to start your day. Steamway Coffee specializes in craft coffee and tea, brewed fresh in small batches using beans from local roasters.

Whether you’re a latte lover or a tea drinker, its offerings ensure your morning pick-me-up is both delicious and memorable.

Stonehouse Wood Fire Grill For those craving smoky, flavorful bites, Stonehouse Wood Fire Grill is a must-visit. Known for its skewered meats, grilled veggies and incredible burgers and sandwiches, this truck brings the magic of wood-fire cooking to Mueller. In colder months, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a hearty meal without the wait of a restaurant.

Concr. (Conscious Cravings) Freshly rebranded but still true to its roots, Concr. continues to serve up simple, delicious and accessible plant-based meals. This funky food truck offers a variety of vegan-friendly options, including wraps, grain bowls and fresh salads, all crafted with wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a mindful snack or a nutritious meal, Concr. proves that plant-based dining can be both satisfying and flavorful.

The Original New Orleans Po-Boy and Gumbo Shop Bringing the soul of New Orleans to Mueller, this newcomer is already making waves. Chef Darold Gordon serves up a menu packed with Southern classics like shrimp poboys, rich gumbo and warm, sugary beignets. For a twist, try the Philly cheesesteak or a baked potato topped

with jumbo shrimp. With its bold flavors and true Southern hospitality, this truck has quickly become a local favorite. Open Tuesday through Sunday, it’s the perfect spot to get your soul-food fix.

Hippy Eats Another new addition to Mueller Trailer Eats, Hippy Eats offers a fresh take on vegan dining. Owner Jason Stutz infuses global flavors into his menu, with standouts like the Thai burrito, falafel platter and Greek pita pizza. Guests can customize their meals with superfood add-ons and plant-based proteins, including the fan-favorite “brisket” tempeh. Hippy Eats is open most days of the week and is a go-to for healthy, satisfying meals.

An Inviting Atmosphere Is your mouth watering yet? Dining at Mueller’s food trucks is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. With inviting outdoor seating, twinkling string lights in the evenings and scenic views of the historic Browning Hangar, the atmosphere is just as delightful as the food.

After your meal, you can take a leisurely stroll to Mueller Lake Park to soak in the vibrant energy of the neighborhood.

Mueller’s food trucks are an integral part of our neighborhood’s culture and charm. They offer a convenient, delicious alternative to traditional takeout while creating opportunities to connect with neighbors and support local entrepreneurs.

So next time you’re hungry or craving connection, head to Mueller Trailer Eats. Your taste buds—and your community—will thank you!

Cristina Tangredi is a communications professional dedicated to creating communityfirst communications, and has over seven years of experience in nonprofits, government agencies and PR firms.

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Quality Work & Quality Service It’s Tax time! Let your neighborhood CPAs be that strategic partner to help you plan and maximize your savings.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation for personalized, expert guidance.

Get to know us and our services at: CraneHoltzman.com contact@CraneHoltzman.com 512-215-0057

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PERSPECTIVES

The Mueller Mallards Story by Saffia Jollah, age 6, who was inspired to write it after reading Mueller magazine.

In Mueller, there is a pair of two mallard ducks named Mr. and Mrs. Mallard. They lived (and still do) in Mueller Lake. After a while, they had one duckling named Poppy. One day, they met another family of ducks. They had a duckling named Rosemary. Poppy and Rosemary became best friends.

Every day, they sit on the bank and watch the people go by. One day, they met a girl named Rose and they became best friends. Up to this day, the three friends sit on the bank and watch the people go by.

Saffia Jollah is a budding author who wrote and typed this story herself.

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Premier Flooring Services for Commercial & Residential Spaces

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 Let’s Get Social!

Join our online community.

FOLLOW US

  @muellermagazine Have a photo or story you think should be featured?

Want to learn more about advertising in our pages?

Contact us at hello@muelleremagazine.com

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PHOTO OP

Winter Wonders The quiet beauty of Mueller after our recent winter snowfall was captured by multiple neighbors who shared images with us.

 Photographer Jacob Stambaugh (Instagram @Jstam_photography) seems to capture numerous seasons in a single shot.

 A snowy backdrop in this Stambaugh image accentuates bare winter branches while also highlighting the promise of greenery to come.

 Maria Mercedes Arredondo couldn’t help but snap this adorable photo of her daughter enjoying the rare opportunity to play in the snow.

Have a great image for Photo Op? Submit your high-resolution shot to liz.reingold@muellermagazine.com.

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Your Move, Simplified.

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Mueller Silent Market Team is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by federal, state and local Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

Mueller Silent Market Team is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by federal, state and local Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

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