Austin Sound Check

First and foremost, I love Santana’s music. Let there be no doubt about that. Everything from Black Magic Woman to Oye Como Va through more recent hits like Smooth and Maria Maria reside on my iPod. However, it is Carlos Santana’s latest venture, the restaurant name sake of Maria Maria that has given me pause.

Austinites support local businesses ferociously, including restaurants. Chains don’t last long here, as evidenced by the relatively short and rocky four year tenure of Hard Rock Cafe on 6th St. Austin is the fourth location in the Maria Maria chain, and Santana would do well to approach the Austin market with caution.

So far, so good. The location on 4th St. is in the warehouse district, known as much for upscale dining as it is for its upscale clubs & bars and occasional live music.  Foodies will no doubt flock to Maria Maria, but the upscale prices ($13 – $22 according to their menu) will probably be a deterrent for some.

Another problem for Santana may arise in trying to capitalize on his fame in The Live Music Capitol of the World. Austin music fans will gladly pay upwards of $30/ticket to see Santana and many of his legendary peers perform. They’re not nearly as eager to drop that kind of money on a single meal. Unless say, Santana was playing table side.

As this article points out, Austin has a very competitive dining scene.  I wish Santana and Maria Maria success (the food looks authentic & tasty!) but warn against appearing too much like the chain that they are. Keep it weird, keep it good and keep it unique. Those are the keys to surviving in Austin.

For More Information: Maria Maria Official Website

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