So the bad news is that Coach’s downtown won’t arrive until early 2015. But the good news is they’re making the downtown space at 3rd and Austin Avenue their own. This downtown location has been a few different things in recent years with varying levels of success, so it's good that Coach's won't be just another thing rolling in.
I stopped by today and spoke with co-owner Gary Zacharias as he was hard at work on the remodeling of the outside. Coach's has constructed an adjoining house for its barbecue pit along with other cosmetic changes to the building.
I also got an answer about the style of restaurant Coach's is looking to bring to downtown. The McGregor location works like this: you're instructed to walk in the door to the barbecue pit room. You order meat in there and then slide over to the next room to pick your sides (btw, I really dig Coach's white potato salad and spicy-sweet beans). When I first noticed the adjoining pit room Coach's is building downtown, I walked around it to see if the entrance would be there too. But Zacharias told me it will be a sit-down-and-order deal. As such, they'll have a little more diverse menu than your ordinary BBQ joint.
Another difference at Coach's downtown location will be have a full bar selection of beverages. So you'll be able to get cold beer, etc., with your barbecue.
Zacharias said Coach's downtown won't be ready to open until mid-to-late January.
