Austin is preparing to lose another independent grocery destination after a 45-year-old Texas grocery co-op location closed in October. Dia’s Market & Deli, a specialty market in North Central Austin, plans to close by the end of November after 10 years in business.
Owners David and Amanda Hopper opened the shop at 812 Justin Lane in June 2016. The family-run business combined a neighborhood deli with a small grocery selection, giving nearby shoppers a place to buy prepared meals, fresh produce, dairy items, frozen foods, beer, wine and pantry staples in one stop.
Slower customer traffic changed the math
In the closing announcement, David Hopper explained that the owners expected more commercial and residential development around the store. That growth did not materialize as anticipated, while customer traffic continued to slow. With the lease coming up for renewal, the owners concluded that signing another term no longer made financial sense.
The shop sits just off North Lamar Boulevard near Airport Boulevard, but it is not directly visible from either busy road. CultureMap Austin noted that the area is developed, yet much of its traffic passes by in cars instead of turning onto Justin Lane.
A grocery store, deli and local-food showcase
Dia’s describes itself on its official website as a curated specialty grocery and deli serving Crestview, Brentwood, Highland, Wooten and Allandale. Its shelves mix local and international products with everyday basics, while the deli serves breakfast and lunch sandwiches, rotisserie chicken, coffee and pastries.
That combination made the store more than a lunch counter, but smaller and more specialized than a conventional supermarket. Local products have included non-dairy ice cream, snacks, beer and other Texas-made goods that shoppers may need to seek out at several businesses after Dia’s closes.
Other grocery choices remain nearby
The closure will not leave North Central Austin without groceries. A 99 Ranch Market and several food businesses operate nearby around Airport Boulevard, and the wider area has additional supermarkets. The more specific loss is a locally owned shop where customers could combine a deli order with produce, drinks and specialty groceries.
The original announcement did not say how many employees would be affected or whether any workers would transfer to other jobs. It thanked customers and invited them to stop by before the team says goodbye, but it did not describe a layoff or severance plan.
The original announcement also did not include an exact final day, closing-sale details or a replacement tenant for 812 Justin Lane. Customers planning a farewell visit should check the market’s current channels rather than assume it will remain open through November 30.
Links on this page may be affiliate links, for which the site earns a small commission, but the price for you is the same
Leave a Comment