July 2, 2020 – At 5:30PM Central Time today, Governor Abbott has issued a Texas statewide order making “masking” mandatory in the State of Texas . This applies to all citizens over the age of 10 in counties where there are more than 20 COVID cases (ie – wearing a mask in all business transactions with essential businesses and all occasions where there is not the ability to fully social distance).
Every country in the world has its own version of coffee. This goes to show that this is a timeless drink that transcends all cultures. Coffee consumption stats indicate that a massive 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed in the world each day. Second, to oil, this humble bean is the second most traded commodity in the world. Moreover, this is now the third most popular drink all over the world next to water and tea.
Continue readingUpdated Friday, June 12 – Today, the CDC has issued its long awaited precautionary measures for mitigating the spread of coronavirus. Additionally, the City of Austin has unanimously voted to cancel July 4th activities.
Together these announcements address what is a clear trend of the “return” of cases in particular geographic regions in our country. The State of Texas, Travis County, and Austin are in fact part of that trend of “spiking” and “returning” infection rates.
Please see a short summary of the CDC precautionary measures here: https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2020-06-12/cdc-posts-long-awaited-tips-for-minimizing-everyday-risk
The guidelines repeat earlier advice about wearing face coverings, especially if it’s difficult to keep at least 6 feet away from others.
Please see a short summary of the City of Austin July 4th cancellations here: https://www.austindailyherald.com/2020/05/july-4-fireworks-2020-pool-season-cancelled/
Continue readingOn Monday May 18th at 2PM, Governor Abbott initiated Phase II protocols for the phased in re-opening of the Texas economy.
You can see the full transcript of the Governor’s update here.
On March 16th – things looked bleak, unclear and the outlook for Mozart’s completely uncertain. Black N Brew was born 1 week later … and among other things it allowed us to pay our rent, not lay off any employees, feed the community, support first responders and add a dozen jobs between two local Austin/Central Texas businesses.
Black N Brew has been everything we dreamed and more. A drive thru pop-up parking lot bbq stand at a coffee shop? Sounds wild — but it was a hit.
This weekend will be the last weekend to pick up your BBQ and Cold Brew too at the Black N Brew Drive Thru only at Mozart’s on Lake Austin Blvd.
Let’s go out with a bang (and some lip smacking BBQ & Bakery)! Stop by to pick-up, drive thru, or pre-order online.
Of course, Mozart’s remains open with our beautiful decks, Market and iconic Bakery and Roastery. We’re grateful and blessed for the work we did together with our friends at Blacks to support this one ATX community. Long live Black N Brew’s 2020 memory!
Some amazing stats below:
– 54 days long (Ending Sunday May 17th)
– More than 3,500 lbs of world-class brisket
– Almost 5,000 rings of world-class sausage served
– More than 250 lbs of moist delicious baby-backs served
– Almost 500 world-class roasted 1/2 chickens served
– More than 440 growlers of cold brew
– More than 2,500 Bavarian pretzels
– More than 1,000 Family Style desserts of Peach Cobbler, Pecan Butter Cake and Texas Sheet Cake
– More than 2,000 paid hours of labor employed
– More than 2,200 first responders fed
– More than 600 challenged Austinites cars fed on Good Friday
God bless Black N Brew.
RIP 3/23/20 – 5/17/20
May 8th at 10:30AM, Mayor Adler held a live City of Austin COVID-19 update which officially extended the shelter-at-home order in Austin until May 31st. Travis County’s order is extended until June 15th. Their combined “out dates” are to be revised based on the review of data (infection rates, physical interactions, etc) day by day and week by week.
The newly revised orders have requested that restaurants and cafes keep a log of any customers who contact them after a visit and disclose that they have symptoms. Mozart’s staff have been educated on this proactive provision of the order and Mozart’s will be complying, reporting information as requested back to the City of Austin.
We recognize that there is potential confusion for our customers between the different jurisdictions and orders as we phase-in the restarting of the economy. Mozart’s will keep health and safety concerns and precautions front and center for our employees, customers and the community during this time for however long experts tell us is necessary.
To read a transcript of Mayor Adler’s new full order, click here.
As we all count the days (now 52 since this all began), it’s coming into focus how the livelihoods of our friends, partners, community and pretty much everyone we know have been adversely impacted through these challenging times. Of course, we’re reminded of the health consequences daily. But, it is only through the emails, texts and occasional phone calls that we hear of the “furlough”, the “layoff”, the “we’re closing” to even the “eviction”.
We’ve been blessed to be able to stay open. We have unique circumstances that come down to luck and surely divine providence. While our people are genuinely skilled, courageous and selfless in their willingness to work “essential” jobs to benefit others – our conditions at Mozart can be contrasted to many who are tragically less fortunate. Whether a first responder who’s fallen ill and has a family worried about the future, to fellow hospitality workers struggling to figure out how to make rent, or a family business person pretty much like ourselves faced with unrelenting uncertainty never expected, we at Mozart’s simply must acknowledge … “there, but for the Grace of God go we“.
So, people ask us: “… why keep wearing masks? Why are we at Mozart’s putting that burden, inconvenience or even expense hardship on others?” We’ve remarked how our Governor continues to recommend mask-wearing as a prudent health and safety precaution regardless of our Counties and Cities in Texas no longer having it be permissible to fine, cite or hold citizens criminally negligent for non-compliance. We believe that recommendation by Governor Abbott wisely encourages each of us as private citizens – and in our case Mozart’s as a private business – to do our part. To step up and help our employees, our customers and our community have the capacity to stay safe as we approach the opening of the economy with a phased-in, sensible approach.
Updated July15, 2020 – Tuesday July 14th, Austin-Travis County’s Interim Health Authority, Dr. Mark Escott, adopted a series of rules to help fight the continued rise of COVID-19.
We recommend reading the full update here and will summarize below as well: FOX 7 Austin: Austin-Travis County health authority adopts emergency COVID-19 rules, orders.
Effectively, Travis County and the City of Austin have instituted social distancing and mask orders which now, among other things, will continue until at least November 12th.
As part of that order, and up until at least November 12th, there can be no groups of ten that congregate anywhere other than family and relations in a private home. Other stipulations apply, but in general there is a defined limitation of crowds of any kind, in any open space to be under 10 persons and that group must be otherwise separated by at least 6 feet from others.
In addition to the above, schools of any kind may NOT open for physical schooling until after September 7th, and this requires the submission of a full plan made available to all constituents (parents, teachers, students, stakeholders) in the community, at least two weeks in advance.
We understand each new update can be confusing, so please take a moment to read the full report here.
Updated July 3, 2020 – Effective at noon today, (July 3, 2020), City of Austin Mayor Steve Adler has banned any gathering – in any space in Austin (commercial or public) – of 10 persons or more. The order is in effect until August 15th, 2020 – or otherwise noted by the City of Austin. Please see the summary of Mayor Adler’s order here.
Mozart’s outdoor tables are spaced with very specific safe social and physical distance criteria in mind. They are each a minimum of 8 feet apart and accommodate patrons on multiple levels to allow for the type of distancing that can be comfortable and convenient for all our guests. Our decks are limited to our Mozart’s patrons coming for our food, services, and offerings within Mozart’s Bakery, Coffee and our Boat Towne Market.
You will find signage that appears on our property informing our guests that no tables, regardless of size or capacity, shall host more than 8 people at a time. We are intent on remaining in compliance and have set that standard to ensure it can be manageable and clear for both staff and customers. Please know that our employees are conscientiously focused on ensuring their own safety, the safety of all our customers, and the safety of the ATX community. We are intent on doing so by being in compliance with all our newly adopted State, County and City rulings designed to promote individual responsibility for safeguarding against the spread of the novel coronavirus. Your cooperation with this intent is something we ask you to kindly consider as you visit our beautiful surroundings here on Lake Austin.
We are open each and every day at 7AM and encourage you to enjoy your upcoming holiday and the days ahead of us in a safe, healthy manner.
Updated July 2, 2020 – July 2nd at 5:30PM Central Time Governor Abbott issued a Texas statewide order making “masking” mandatory in the State of Texas . This applies to all citizens over the age of 10 in counties where there are more than 20 COVID cases (ie – wearing a mask in all business transactions with essential businesses and all occasions where there is not the ability to fully social distance).
Mozart’s is, has been, and will remain a Mask Mandatory facility for transacting business. Since March 16th, (at the beginning of the national, state and local shutdowns), Mozart’s initiated its mask guidelines following the advice of the CDC. Our policies are of course fully compliant with Governor Abbott’s now mandatory facial covering order.
This statewide requirement is now operating in parallel with orders already issued by Travis County and the City of Austin (where Mozart’s is located), making our business liable to fines for not enforcing those mask requirements on our patrons and employees within our interior facility. Governor Abbott’s new statewide mask order makes an initial infraction (ie – not wearing a mask in public places and essential businesses) subject to a warning issued by local law enforcement. A second infraction can result in a $250 fine.
As a health and safety convenience for our customers and the ATX community, Mozart’s offers disposable masks, available at each entry point into our facility. More than 15,000 combined Businesses, First Responders, Restaurants, Health Care Facilities, and a range of individuals in Austin, throughout greater Texas, and across the US have made a choice to fulfill their mask needs through our direct, next day shipping online business offering. This includes Designer Masks, Sport & Active Wear Masks, Nurse Made & Approved Masks, Reusable Masks and Bulk Disposable Masks.
The Cotton & Silk backing of my Asaf Designs Mask doesn’t irritate my skin. The French style and quality allow me to feel special and not drab.
Kimberly – Dallas, Texas
SportsFlex breathes when I work out. Other people’s masks are heavy, hot and I can’t believe this has three layers each with a filter. I get compliments all the time.
JR – Cambridge, Massachusetts
I’ve bought at least a dozen Nurse Made since the fabrics are so easy to accessorize my outfits. I like that this product benefits front line, health care workers.
Lorrie – Novi, Michigan
Seems pretty cool that Mozart’s would offer a mask that you can put a Coffee filter in! I drink their coffee, now I’m staying safe with their coffee filters, pretty cool.
Joseph – Cedar Park, Texas
I needed bulk disposable masks for my shop – Mozart’s allowed us to buy 50# cheaper than big box stores. I like they donate one box to health care providers for every one you buy.
Allison – Austin Texas
Updated Tuesday, June 23 – Mayor Adler summarized the Travis County/City of Austin Mask business requirements as follows on Facebook Live.
This order went into effect for all businesses in the City of Austin, Monday June 22nd at 11:59PM. It remains in effect until August 15, 2020 or until otherwise modified.
You can see the full “Stay Home, Mask, and Otherwise Be Safe City of Austin Order” here: https://talk1370.radio.com/articles/adler-new-order-strengthens-mask-requirement-for-businesses
In summary, here are some of the updates:
– All essential, and now non-essential businesses and offices as well, must comply;
– Cafes, restaurants, Bakeries, Bars, … etc are defined as essential businesses;
– All staff and patrons must wear a mask inside the facilities of businesses to transact business;
– Patrons above the age of 6 must wear masks;
– The requirements are to remain in place until at least August 15, 2020.
Here’s when going without a mask is permissible:
– When in outdoor common areas where businesses are maintaining 6 feet social distancing;
– When in the act of eating and drinking;
– When wearing a mask would contribute to other health risks;
– When communicating with someone with hearing impairments;
– If you’re under the age of 6;
Penalty:
– $1000 fine for businesses not in compliance, for each act of non-compliance.
Updated Tuesday, June 16 – In light of a recent spike in the number of coronavirus-related hospitalizations, city and county leaders have issued updated recommendations that move Travis County into Stage 4 restrictions, and extended local stay-home orders to Aug. 15.
Stage 4 recommends that lower-risk individuals avoid gatherings with more than 10 people. Higher-risk people should limit gatherings with more than two people.
Stage 4 guidelines also recommends low-risk people avoid any non-essential travel and limits the opening of workplaces to expanded essential businesses.
For more details, please see the full article here: https://www.statesman.com/news/20200615/travis-county-2-more-coronavirus-deaths-stay-home-orders-extended-to-aug-15
Updated Friday, June 12 – Today, the CDC has issued its long awaited precautionary measures for mitigating the spread of coronavirus. Additionally, the City of Austin has unanimously voted to cancel July 4th activities.
Together these announcements address what is a clear trend of the “return” of cases in particular geographic regions in our country. The State of Texas, Travis County, and Austin are in fact part of that trend of “spiking” and “returning” infection rates.
Please see a short summary of the CDC precautionary measures here: https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2020-06-12/cdc-posts-long-awaited-tips-for-minimizing-everyday-risk
The guidelines repeat earlier advice about wearing face coverings, especially if it’s difficult to keep at least 6 feet away from others.
Please see a short summary of the City of Austin July 4th cancellations here: https://www.austindailyherald.com/2020/05/july-4-fireworks-2020-pool-season-cancelled/
The recent spike in the combination of: new hospitalizations for COVID-19 patients, coronavirus new cases recorded, and an increasing % of positive testing outcomes as a rate of total tests (all within Travis County and the City of Austin) has Travis County and the City of Austin jointly encouraging precautions be taken by residents to help mitigate the localized spike.
Please see Mayor Adler’s communication today here: https://www.kvue.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/austin-coronavirus-updates-cases-spike/269-5e7306b0-244e-481c-bf40-1f20e798bbed
The summary of Mayor Adler’s position statement includes the expectation that either today, or Monday June 15th, prior to the expiration of the Travis County and City of Austin combined orders for sheltering at home, these orders will be *extended* until further notice. The practical application of these orders is confusing for residents considering that the State of Texas has issued its own decree which lifts any localized County and Municipal sheltering orders. Should you have specific questions related to what this means for you as a resident of the City of Austin or Travis County, we encourage you to contact the City of Austin and/or the Travis County Department of Health.
Mozart’s will adhere to the State of Texas requirements while at the same time following the advisement of any and all precautionary measures provided by these recent communications.
Mozart’s continues to practice safe social and physical distancing in a manner that places the overall community, our employees and our patrons interests above any individual preference that may believe or feel these precautions to not be warranted. We were visited by the City of Austin COVID-19 enforcement division on Thursday, June 11th and they applauded our requirements for:
– Mandatory mask wearing for all transactions conducted in Mozart’s Cafe, Bakery & The Boat Towne Market;
– Mandatory 6′ line spacing for all individual groups queuing up to enter the Cafe along with those within the interior spacing of the Cafe and Market while waiting for Order Fulfillment;
– Mandatory NO MOVE requirement of all Mozart’s exterior tables arranged purposely on the deck with 8′ distancing between each table.
We consider ourselves fortunate to be open and privileged to be operating in a primarily “outside” open-air environment wherein recent scientific research has suggested provides a better, more mitigated environment for the spread of the novel coronavirus. As a result, we intend to continue to remain vigilant in these advised precautionary practices for the benefit of the entire ATX community – indefinitely. Please see the recent COVID-19 “Indoors vs Outdoors” research report and abstract here: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.28.20029272v2
We appreciate all our employees, customers and individual community efforts intent on keeping ATX safe as we adhere to the advice of our Health, Safety, and State, County and Municipal authorities seeking to work together to make our community a model environment where we have all helped mitigate the risk of further spread of this pandemic.
Updated Friday, June 5 – As we begin June, it is worth noting we have now operated within COVID-19 State, County and City orders for more than 80 days. This duration of operating under a range of requirements intent on safeguarding the public’s health represents more than ½ the year here in 2020.
Mozart’s does not have a prediction as to how long the ongoing operating criteria, (advocating a range of proactive and preventative health and safety measures), will remain in place. We do know that we at Mozart’s will remain in line with observing the best practices advised by our local and state health officials and as regularly updated in their communications.
This week Austin-Travis County Health Department officials have publicized new data that indicates there has been a significant spike in newly recorded cases beginning Monday in Travis County. The rate recorded for these initial days of June compared with any other week since the beginning of the pandemic shows a higher daily new count case. Our health officials have attributed this rise to expected outcomes connected with the phasing in of the opening of the economy along with increased access to testing.
Our response to such a trend is we are remaining steadfast in our policies currently in place. We believe it is important we observe these trends, remain vigilant in our procedures, and continue doing what we can do in our own way to operate safely and safeguard our employees, customers and the community’s health and welfare.
Our decks are open for your enjoyment. Our tables are distributed in a manner where we are continuing to observe 8 feet separations between each table and we ask our patrons to observe these safeguards and not alter their placement. We continue to require, and will do so indefinitely, that all transactions within our Cafe and Market occur with a mask worn by both our customers and our patrons. Our employees are required to wear gloves at all times and we continue to practice table, surface and equipment sanitization at 20 minute intervals. We have hand sanitizer stations liberally set up across our facility.
Thank you for helping keeping our ATX community safe.
Updated Monday, May 18 – On Monday May 18th at 2PM, Governor Abbott initiated Phase II protocols for the phased in re-opening of the Texas economy.
You can see the full transcript of the Governor’s update here.
Relevant to our team here at Mozart’s, the Governor shared “… restaurants may expand their occupancy to 50% beginning May 22 … these occupancy limits do not apply to outdoor areas that maintain safe distancing among parties.”
On Friday, Mozart’s will double its current 25% outside seating to 50%. While the decree exempts outside seating, we at Mozart’s believe this is prudent to maintain “safe” distancing as intended by our Governor and experts. We hope you enjoy that and our beautiful decks. The Governor also clearly stated that ” …ask all Texans to continue heeding the guidance of our state and federal medical experts and do their part to protect public health” Part of that is Mozart’s maintaining and joining market-leading companies such as American Airlines, Costco, and Target to adhering to safe and health requirements for their staff and patrons transacting business. Our store requires face masks to make a purchase but in the open air of our decks, and with our tables properly spaced, you may enjoy the environment with or without as you choose.
Updated Friday, May 8 – At 10:30AM today, May 8th, Mayor Adler & Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt had a joint press conference to extend City and County Shelter at Home Orders through May 31st and June 15th respectively. See the synthesis and clarification for understandable confusion here.
Updated Monday, April 27 – At 2:30PM today, April 27th, Governor Abbott issued a statement regarding the new proclamation (GA – 18). Our Governor clearly clarified a number of forthcoming measures the State of Texas is pursuing towards the re-opening the Texas economy.
Stacey and I recently learned the word “quarantine” (thanks to NPR) is Italian (“quarantine giorni”). It apparently relates to holding immigrants for 40 days before it was “safe” to release them into the cities. Unlike ancient Italian ports, there’s never been an acceptance period at Mozarts for any guests. We say “You are always welcome here” … to everyone. Indian, Jew, Muslin, Arab, Asian, African American, Latino, Special Needs, Hearing Impaired, LBGTQ, Persons with Disabilities, Students, Families, Young, Seasoned, Rich, Not-So-Rich … everyone has always been welcome now for almost 30 years. It is simply One ATX Community at Mozart’s.
We’ve been blessed by many friends who have supported us with tireless work during this crisis.
An amazing cast of entrepreneurs have joined hands with Mozart’s working around the clock – just like the dedicated employees here at Mozart’s – people like Black’s BBQ, JBG Organics, Ben E Keith, Labatt, Royal Coffee Imports, Albert Uster Imports Cottonfield, ABCO, Cawood’s Produce, IAC Imports, Linda Asaf Design … and many more all helping us by sharing their expertise and resource network.
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