More than a year was spent working directly with local music venues and restaurant to design an easy to use and reliable internet-based platform which curates and packages live music events and then pairs them with a fixed price dinner at a popular Austin restaurant that’s only a short walk away from the show. Users can instantly book dinner, live music and transportation all in one.
AustiNight.com designed the platform to resemble the familiar feeling of booking a hotel room online. The website provides specific details of dinner options along with videos of the musical acts performing throughout the coming months. Optional door-to-door chauffeured transportation may be selected as an add-on for those outside of the city through their transportation partner, Clean Air Limo, Austin’s only luxury hybrid vehicle service.
The mission is simple- make it easy and hassle free, for those unfamiliar with the best of what the city has to offer, to enjoy a great night out and support and grow Austin’s local businesses and live music industry.
Current music venue partners include Austin’s world famous Antone’s, local favorite Cedar Street Courtyard and the widely respected Empire Control Room. Restaurant partners include French style pre-Prohibition era themed Péché, Russian House, featuring authentic Russian food and Wu Chow, an upscale and lively family style farm to table Chinese food restaurant.
Initial responses from both music non-profits and local artists have been enthusiastic. “This is a win for consumers, venues, artists and our tourism economy,” said Rebecca Reynolds, President of the Music Venue Alliance of Austin. “I’m encouraged to see technology creating new ways for those seeking a true Austin experience to find hidden gems, as well as our iconic music destinations.”
Austin musician Jackie Venson added, “What inspires me about AustiNight is the passion for good music, good food, a good time and for keeping Austin the live music capital of the world. They take the hassle out of going out.”
Co-founders Bak Zoumanigui and Robert Stuart share a love for Austin. Zoumanigui, a native of Senegal and France with a passion for music, moved to Austin 20 years ago and quickly connected with artists, music venue owners, DJs, restaurants and movers & shakers in the industry. Bak grew a reputation as an Austin insider and became a go-to for recommendations on what to do.
Robert, an entrepreneur and shipping consultant whose prior experience includes founding a consulting firm to help cities address urban community preparedness, saw a way to fulfill his desire to support small business and help others right here in Austin. The pair turned their respective knowledge and shared passions into AustiNight and officially launched in January of this year. ####