Annies on Congress to Replicate Zinc Cafés of Paris [Interview]

Beyond the actual bar, how do you intend to cultivate the "zinc cafe" atmosphere of the old world?

Ernest Hemingway hung out around zinc bars all over Paris. Annies has recreated the scene by making the bar curvy and inviting. Zinc is a soft metal that can be polished to a sterling silver glow or a warm pewter hue.

Annies bar will serve as great place for a drink or a full course breakfast, lunch or dinner. Above the bar will sit an eleven-foot-high mirror, also framed in zinc, and a pair of seven-foot-tall custom-built European stands for the glassware and liquor. The zinc bar is located next to a big coffee bar, outfitted with an espresso machine [that was] hand built in Florence, Italy—[it's] the same style of machine used in the world championship barista competitions.

As grandiose as this all sounds, the bar feels warm, cozy and iconic. The vibe is definitely not stuffy. Kitschy red iguana leather bar stools and a swirl of sparkling lights above make it a fun place to see and be seen.

With the economy in such dire straits, why did you decide to launch a new business venture at this moment?

Actually, over the years, Apple Annies has lived through several economic downturns. Strangely enough, our business does better in a slower economy. We believe it is the value we offer and the farm-to-table comfort food fare.

Apple Annies has been downtown for 26 years, with a loyal following clamoring for its return. Annies, like Apple Annies before, is a place where you can come everyday and never eat the same meal twice, and it has always been know for an affordable and varied price point menu.

The same philosophy remains for the new Annies at its greatly improved location. The inviting and cozy atmosphere, run by employees who know your name, is [a] nice escape from the economic news in the outside world.

Sherry and Love behind the new bar, which is still under construction. Steve Hopson for Austinist.com

Always start small. My first shop was 500 square feet. Never expand unless you are bursting at the seams. Know daily where you stand financially. We bought our 4000-lb pizza oven on eBay ... with free delivery! Don't be afraid to ask. Not everything has to be new. Surround yourself with happy employees who know more than you do. Love what you do, show appreciation and be devoted to your customer.

What is it about the Day Building on Congress Avenue that attracted you to this location?

Its scale and warmth, the old brick as well as the beautiful sunshine that floods the doors and transoms. The minute we walked in the space we knew it was the new Annies. The 40 feet of Congress frontage and 12 French doors give us the opportunity to continue mingling outdoor and indoor dining, and the space is flanked by office buildings that already hold the majority of our cafe and catering customers.

Will the restaurant be open 24/7, and if not, what hours can we expect?

We will be open late on busy nights and have a late night dining and dessert menu. We will close earlier on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings.

Can you share with us a sampling of what we'll see on the menu?

Organic eggs and brioche for breakfast, organic coffee drinks, freshly-baked bread and rustic apple tarts, our monthly hot entree lunch menu along with our famous tomato brie soup, farmstand vegetables, and our well known salads ... 15 at the last count. Wood-fired pizza, and a signature burger. And, for dinner, the pizza and grill stay [on] and we add in roasted lamb, risotto, and other seasonally-updated bistro comfort food.