Welcome Home to Austin!
Your Local Guide to the
Legends Who Keep Austin Weird (and Running)
🏠The Move-In Phase
Bramlett Residential | Real Estate
The Story: Founded by Austin native Eric Bramlett in 2003. Unlike national franchises, Eric built a boutique firm that focuses on "quality over quantity." They are famous for their support of Community First! Village to help the local homeless population.
Einstein Moving Company | Movers
The Story: Started by childhood best friends Paul Garon and Cameron Sulli with just one truck and a dream. They wanted to fix the "bad reputation" of moving companies. By treating their movers like family (high pay and full benefits), they created a crew that is famous for being incredibly polite, careful, and efficient.
Purple Fig Eco Cleaning | House Cleaning
The Story: A woman-owned and "mom-run" business. The founder wanted to create a cleaning service that was safe for kids and pets, so they use strictly non-toxic, eco-friendly products.
🛠️ Maintaining Your Austin Home
Radiant Plumbing & Air | Home Services
The Story: Founded in 1999 by Austin couple Brad and Sarah Casebier. They are still 100% family-owned and known for their "Austin-weird" marketing.
ABC Home & Commercial | Pest Control & General Handymen
The Story: The Jenkins family has been serving Austin since 1949. Bobby Jenkins (the current owner) is a local icon who is heavily involved in local charities.
HESOLAR | Solar Energy
The Story: Owned and operated by twin brothers Eric and Derrick Hoffman, these Master Electricians grew up in the Austin electrical trade.
Quality Foundation Repair | Foundation Specialists
The Story: Simon Wallace started this business in 1969 out of the back of a VW bus. Today, it’s still the go-to specialist for Austin’s unique shifting clay soil.
đź©ą Family Care
Newman’s Automotive | Auto Repair
The Story: A South Austin legend since 1992. Family-owned and operated, they are famous for their "No pressure" approach.
411 Pediatrics | Child Healthcare
The Story: Founded by Dr. Ari Brown, this is an independent, physician-led practice. Also known for her parenting book Baby 411.
Austin Vet Hospital | Pet Care
The Story: Established in 1971, this is one of the oldest independently owned vet clinics in the city.
🌮 Local Flavor
Franklin Barbecue | Iconic BBQ
The Story: Aaron and Stacy Franklin started with a small trailer in 2009. It’s still a family run operation and represents the ultimate "Welcome to Austin" meal that is known world wide.
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters | Lakeside Coffee
The Story: Opened in 1993 on the shores of Lake Austin. Independent for 30+ years, it is the heart of the community, especially for their famous annual holiday light show.
Amy’s Ice Creams | The Sweet Side of Weird
The Story: Started in 1984 by Amy Simmons, this shop turned ice cream into performance art with its "scoop crushing" techniques and massive rotation of flavors (including the world famous Mexican Vanilla).
Kerbey Lane Cafe | The Original 24/7 Hangout
The Story: Opened on May 5, 1980, in a small 1930s bungalow on Kerbey Lane. The founders actually lived in a small apartment inside the restaurant for the first few months. It became the goto spot for night owls, students, and families looking for "pancakes and queso" at any hour.
🛍️ Local Treasures & Shopping
BookPeople | Independent Bookstore
The Story: An Austin staple since 1970 and the largest independent bookstore in Texas. They were a leading force behind the "Keep Austin Weird" movement to protect local businesses from big box chains.
Waterloo Records | Music & Vinyl
The Story: Since 1982, Waterloo has been the beating heart of the "Live Music Capital of the World." It’s world famous for its massive collection and for letting customers listen to any album before buying.
Terra Toys | Classic & Unique Toys
The Story: What started as hand crafted wooden toys in a small gallery 40+ years ago has grown into a "merchant of magic." It’s an Austin rite of passage for parents and kids alike.
🌿 Outdoor & Gardening
The Natural Gardener | Organic Gardening Mecca
The Story: Founded by local legend John Dromgoole, this 8 acre "organic theme park" helped pioneer the sustainable gardening movement in Texas. It’s more of a destination than just a shop.
🌳 Essential Austin Landmarks
Barton Springs Pool | The Soul of Austin
The Story: A 3 acre natural spring fed pool that stays a constant 68–70 degrees year round. It has been the "holy water" of the city for over a century.
Mount Bonnell | The Best View
The Story: Technically the highest point in the city, people have been climbing its 102 steps since the 1850s to see the sunset over Lake Austin and the hill country.
A Message from Dhuka Insurance
"Just like these Austin legends, our agency is family-owned and locally focused. While you're busy exploring your new neighborhood, let us handle the protection. From shifting foundations to Austin hail storms, we know Texas insurance inside and out."
Call us for a free "Welcome to Texas" policy review!
(512) 379-8427