CUP Project: Zilker Café

In early 2015, prior to the solicitation of the Zilker Café, PARD conducted a public survey that included an open-ended question regarding possible menu items. Some respondents requested beer and wine. Based on stakeholder input and feedback from this survey, PARD released a Request for Proposals with language that indicated that the Concessionaire may sell beer and wine with prior written approval from the PARD Director.
The Zilker Café Rehabilitation was completed earlier this year, including a new concrete sidewalk that will connect the Train Depot to the Café to the Bath House. Amidst the construction close-out process, it came to the attention of the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) that a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) would be required in order for the selected food vendor to sell wine and beer for consumption. Special events at Zilker Metropolitan Park often include the sale of wine and beer, such as ACL Music Festival, Blues on the Green, Trail of Lights, among others. However, a CUP is not required for temporary sales of wine and beer.
A Conditional Use Permit to amend the zoning of Zilker Café in order to allow for the sale of wine and beer in the defined vendor area was not approved by PARB or the Planning Commission and PARD is not seeking to appeal this decision.
Visit the Zilker Café Rehabilitation project website for more information on the Café.
Zilker Cafe CUP Project Schedule (updated Aug. 27, 2021)
April 19, 2021: CUP application submitted to DSD June 8, 2021: PARB Contracts & Concessions Committee Presentation (Meeting Canceled) June 17: Community Meeting (view recording) June 22, 2021: PARB Presentation (view PDF) August 2021: DSD reviews complete August 24, 2021: PARB renews June 22, 2021 motion September 28, 2021: PARB Presentation October 26, 2021: Planning Commission: Planning Commission voted to not approve conditional use permit.
Concessionaire Contract Contacts
Denisha Cox, Contract Management Specialist IV, 512-974-6718, email Patricia Rossett, Contract Management Supervisor, 512-974-6778, email
The Develop Services Department will send out a public notice informing of the Planning Commission date, which is tentatively set for October 12, 2021. The public may provide comments at this time by signing up as a speaker at the meeting.
Project Contacts
George Maldonado, Project Manager, 512-974-9525, email Christina Bies, Project Coordinator, 512-974-9490, email
PARD hosted a virtual meeting at 6:00 p.m. on June 17, 2021 to inform community members about the CUP and listen to community input around the sale of wine and beer at the Zilker Café. This meeting is not a requirement of the process but will be an opportunity to answer questions and listen to the community.
Community Meeting
June 17, 2021
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Zoom meeting recording
Meeting presentation (PDF) Meeting Q&A Report (PDF)