A sometime staple in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood is set for interesting times. Although I was aware of Cafe Caffeine, I’d only been there a few times, coffee was ok, but it really wasn’t on my way to anywhere. Then they ran a fantastic music event in parallel with South by South West in 2007.

Frustrated by the lack of change, and the lost potential, Cafe Caffeine has been bought out by local resident, sometime barista, one time general manager of Mothers Cafe, comedian and staple of many local Austin establishments, Les McGehee.

Les says he’s going to make many changes. He’s kept the current crew on but is getting them up to speed with how he wants to run the place. A major cleaning project is underway, and Les has already added some great food options, including Mangia Pizza fresh daily to-go (half-baked, finish it at home, fresher and cheaper than delivery), or the Tacodeli breakfast tacos we have now(sold great first day), or the Moonlight Bakery goods we’re bringing in. Les will also have his wife Christa taking care of baked goods, an Italian Mom Lidia cooking from time to time.

On the events front Les has said he’s not extending hours, not turning to loud music, but going to focus on local groups, local bands and doing some more grown-up music options. He already has Southpaw Jones, Russell Scanlon and a latin jazz trio, The Bobkats, a couple of touring acts, ComedySportz family comedy shows, a Capital City Comedy club sponsored stand-up showcase, some of my great comedy friends will host events as well like Owen and Jodi Egerton, Mary Jo Pehl (Mystery Science Theater), Dan French (Dennis Miller show, Best Damn Sports show), Austin Improv Collective, he’s also going to try some media events planned like my own film choices plus AustinShortFilmSociety.

Cafe Caffeine is on West Mary and South 5th.

Hopefully once he’s taken care of the real Cafe Caffeine, he’ll do something about the virtual one, the website. Best of luck Les!