What is your mission, vision and/or values?
MISSION:
Community oriented watering hole for neighbors old and new, regulars and visitors, and beverage drinkers of all kinds. VISION:
Ani's Day & Night is distinctly Austin in many ways, with a little something for everyone. It’s for the neighborhood. It’s unpretentious and laid back. It’s indoor-outdoor. We are dedicated to preserving the character of the original house and serving our neighborhood.
How did you get to where you are today?
Freddy L. Fernandez is the current landlord and property owner where Ani’s Day & Night is located and grew up in this distinctive thirties-era Victorian house with his six siblings and beloved parents Hector and Aniceta. In 2000, Freddy was able to purchase the house back and surprise for his mom. She encouraged him to turn their family home into a business, which is how it became Fast Freddy’s Hair Salon. There are a few locations still around town, including one on East Riverside and South 1st if you’re looking for a nearby haircut. In 2019, the current owners located and talked to Freddy about leasing his unique and charming home for a coffee shop bar concept. Then the pandemic hit, and like many other just starting out businesses, plans were put on hold. Despite all the risks involved, the location was too hard to pass up, and the owners decided to go through with the project starting renovations in the summer of 2020, soft opening to the neighborhood in May 2021, and celebrating with a Grand Opening in July 2021. We look forward to continuing to grow and evolve over the years in order to serve our customers. Stay tuned for additional amenities, surprises, and events. It is important to us at Ani’s Day & Night to honor the history of the location and the people who came before us. We are dedicated to maintaining the integrity of the original structure, keeping original fixtures such as the red velvet couch and the chandelier you see in the main hallway. Currently being painted by local artist Sam Sanford, a portrait of Freddy's mom Aniceta aka "Ani" now hangs in the entryway.
What makes your shop unique?
Design: Whether you’re sitting inside next to a piece of art, on the porch original to the house, or outside at a bright green picnic table, the atmosphere will be bright, sunny, and relaxed. It is easy to make the transition from cold brew to cold beer when the mood strikes. Community: In order to best serve the neighborhood, Ani’s is committed to providing space for neighbors, nonprofits, and community gatherings of all kinds. We know that’s what makes Austin unique is the creative and dedicated people who work hard to provide services, art, and culture to our city. Local Art: In support and celebration of the Austin art community, Ani’s features murals and rotating art where possible exclusively by local artists. In a city where art spaces are disappearing, we hope to offer space for artists to share their work with a larger audience, and space for the neighborhood to enjoy local art, and the conversation and community that surrounds it.
What is your shop best for?
Study Space, Client Meetings, Day Dates, Date Nights, Self-care, quiet space for journaling etc., Patio Hangouts, Group Meetup's, Dog Approved, excellent Wi-Fi, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages of all kinds
Who are the people behind the shop?
Rachael Garbowski, Owner, grew up on an 80-acre farm in Door County, Wisconsin where her parents ran a family farm market and specialty foods store. She has worked in the service industry in almost every role since she was a baby in Wisconsin, Chicago, Maine, and Austin before. Prior to opening Ani's, Rachael served as the Director of Development for Big Medium and Corporate Relations Manager for The Contemporary Austin. Her background in fundraising, strategic partnerships, community building, art, design, events, marketing, public relations, and stewardship are an integral part of her work as a small business owner. She is passionate about local products, quality beverages, and building a business that provides gathering space, art, and events for the community. Caitlyn Moorhead, General Manager, was born and raised in Coldwater, Michigan. After graduating from Central Michigan University, she moved to NYC with dreams of living life in the style of a 90s sitcom. This of course led to a natural migration into the service industry. Bartending for more years than is attractive to mention at night clubs and sports bars, she opened The Winslow in 2013 where she was head bartender before becoming the GM and Beverage Director from 2015-2020. Caitlyn is the mastermind behind all of Ani's delicious original cocktails with punny names. Kathleen Rubin, Interior Design, is a designer and owner of Room is Blue, a San Antonio-based interior design studio that celebrates the beauty in the imperfect and the possibility in every space. With a background in urban design, Kathleen thinks strategically and creatively about how spaces enhance quality of life. Former clients include Aro, Olive, Byron & Blue and a number of residential projects in Austin and San Antonio. Daniela Valle, Graphic Designer, has served as Creative Lead at Nelsen Partners since 2017 and is the head of branding and visual communications for the firm. In addition, she has a robust portfolio of freelance clients, including Suerte (recent James Beard award finalist), non-profit TX Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy and Art of the Brew Festival. Juan Alfredo Rios, Music Booker, is an experienced Drummer and Musical Director who has played live or in studio for artists like Mobley, Love Hate Affair, Aquajones, Alejandro Marcovich, Claudio Perez (Radio Kaos), Cesar Lopez “Vampiro” (Mana, Jaguares), Diego Schoening, Bagre, Grupo Balazo, Sexy Marvin, Jorge Guevara, among many others. His own bands include Easy Compadre! and Como Las Movies. We could not do it without our Morning Crew: Denise, Erica, and Ruben, and our Evening Crew: Conner, Dave, Taffy, Jordan, Jenny, and Gunner. Come say hi!
Responses provided by Rachael Garbowski, Owner
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