Bus’ Outside La Grange: Antone’s is not ‘Waitin’ for the

In Austin and Houston, Texas, Two longstanding Texas brands with family ties have teamed up at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in a collaboration that will send travelers on their way with good music vibes and a taste of a Houston favorite —Antone’s Famous Po’ Boys.

Antone’s Nightclub, the legendary blues club founded in Austin 50 years ago, recently opened a live music outpost in the airport with the same look and feel as the location at 305 E. 5th Street. The club helped set the stage for Austin as a Live Music Capital, with greats such as B.B. King, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Muddy Waters, and Ray Charles contributing to its storied history. ZZ Top, a Texas band, performed at Antone’s many times in the 1980s.

The Antone’s club was founded by the late Clifford Antone, the nephew of Jalal Antone, a Lebanese immigrant who founded Antone’s Import Company in Houston as a gourmet import store known for its New Orleans style po’ boys in 1962. The nightclub is now owned by Clifford’s sister Susan Antone, businessman Will Bridges and famed guitarist Gary Clark Jr.

Chow Chow Extraordinaire

The Antone’s Famous Po’ Boys sandwich business was purchased by Legacy Restaurants, owned Niel Morgan, in 2006. The sandwiches, famous for their chow chow relish, are available at 600 supermarkets, sports venues and food service outlets throughout Texas, including a separate grab and go kiosk at the Austin airport. Expansion to Louisiana is next.

Delaware North, which manages most of the retail and food and beverage concepts at the Austin airport, operates the new live music venue which combines two well-known brands.

“We both recognize the value of what we do as iconic businesses that have grown over time but stayed true to themselves as unique, beloved brands,” said Craig Lieberman, CEO of Antone’s Famous Po’Boys. “One brand helps the other. Now travelers can take Antone’s home, for themselves and for friends and family who miss their favorite Texas po’ boy sandwiches. It’s a tremendous opportunity for us.”