Parkside Projects — Austin, Texas

who we are

Building upon the philosophy of food and hospitality that has made Parkside a standard for downtown dining, Shawn Cirkiel opened Olive & June in 2012. Excited by the opportunity to be just a few minutes north of downtown near family and friends, Olive & June focuses on Southern Italian and is named after he and his wife’s grandmothers.

Olive & June highlights a long list of superlatives including as many as 12 different pastas made in house daily, the most comprehensive list of Amari and Grappa, original Italian influenced cocktails, and the largest and most diverse Italian wine list in the city curated by beverage director and advanced sommelier Paul Ozbirn. Parkside Projects’ executive pastry chef Erica Waksmunski, also responsible for all pasta and bread production, rounds out Olive & June’s unique menu with outstanding desserts.

Shawn’s dedication to sourcing local, finding the best ingredients, and making everything in house continue to be a theme, but at Olive & June they are appreciated in a beautiful 3 story building surrounding a 200 year old oak tree. The atmosphere is as casual as Austin, but the service and attention to detail makes Olive & June a perfect spot for a weekly haunt or a special occasion.

our people

Shawn Cirkiel is a visionary chef and restauranteur whose creativity has made him a pillar in Austin’s culinary landscape. After earning his degree from the Culinary Institute of America, Shawn honed his skills at acclaimed kitchens like Domaine Chandon in Napa Valley and Café Boulud in New York City, where he cultivated a passion for ingredient-driven cuisine and refined technique. Returning to Austin, he quickly made a name for himself as the youngest five-star chef in the city at Jean-Luc’s Bistro before launching his own ventures.

Over the past two decades, he’s created beloved establishments like parkside – Austin’s first gastropub, bringing innovative yet approachable dining to historic 6th Street. Parkside’s success led to the backspace – one of the city’s first Neapolitan pizzerias directly behind parkside; and Olive & June – a Southern Italian eatery inspired by family traditions, where house-made pastas and Italian wine take center stage. Each establishment highlights Shawn’s dedication to sourcing local, seasonal ingredients and creating spaces that are as inviting as they are inventive.

Beyond his restaurants, Shawn is deeply committed to Austin’s community and sustainable food initiatives, through programs with Highland Park Elementary developing healthy-eating, exercise and gardening with the local youth. Shawn is also on the board of the Pecan Street Association, working to preserve Austin’s historic Sixth Street district. Shawn’s work has been featured in Eater Austin, Wine Spectator, Tribeza, Bon Appétit, Southern Living, and more, but his dedication to quality and community impact is what truly defines his legacy with Parkside Projects.

our projects

Parkside

First opened in 2008 on historic 6th Street, Chef Shawn Cirkiel brought the city’s first gastropub before ‘farm-to-table’ and casual but elevated service became big in Austin. The name pays homage to the housing project in the Bronx where his father grew up. Parkside set the standard for downtown dining for the better part of a decade before closing in late 2022 for renovations. In March of 2024, parkside reopened is doors with a refreshed look and menu.

Parkside remains beloved by many for its extensive raw bar and top-quality oysters from around the country. Whether in a suit or sandals, patrons feel at home enjoying seasonal dishes featuring locally sourced proteins and produce. From the raved bacon cheeseburger to the carefully crafted desserts from our pastry chefs, parkside balances elegance and approachability in every detail. More than a restaurant, parkside is a spot for creation memories, and continues to be adored by both tourists and locals alike.

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The Backspace

What started, literally in the backspace of Chef Shawn Cirkiel’s parkside, in 2010 as Austin’s first Neapolitan pizzeria. An intimate and rustic 30-seat oasis off 6th street, featuring all Italian wine, beer, a seasonal selection of Italian antipasti and a classic menu of Neapolitan pizza. The flour, tomatoes, and our brick oven, are all imported from Italy to make a style of pie that, with our house made mozzarella, can only be called Neapolitan.

The backspace expanded to the Crestview neighborhood in summer 2020, becoming a weekly spot for the local families. Backspace Anderson Lane offers an expanded menu with handmade pasta, craft cocktails, and a warm, family-friendly vibe. Plus a semi-private dining room perfect for intimate gatherings for up to 40 guests. Backspace Anderson Lane is proud to support it’s community through hosting spirit nights for local schools and in-kind donations for various non-profits.

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Downtown reservations

Olive and June

Named after the grandmothers of Chef Shawn Cirkiel and his wife, Olive & June opened in 2012 with an emphasis on making every pasta in-house daily. The 3-story building envelopes a 200-year-old oak tree with 4 different dining areas, inside and out, for a quick bite to eat or private celebration. Olive & June has the largest and most diverse selection of Italian wine, Amari, and Grappa in the city, but to central Austin’s regulars it’s equally well known for its formal yet friendly service, a hallmark of all Shawn Cirkiel restaurants. Celebration the cuisine and culture of Southern Italy, except to see new menu features daily focusing on fresh vegetables, pasta, and carefully crafted desserts.

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800 Congress

Parkside Projects’ first venture outside of restaurants, 800 Congress, named after the location’s physical address. 800 Congress is downtown Austin’s iconic event venue located on historic Congress Avenue. With an open, industrial feel, and views of the Paramount Theatre and State Capitol. It is the event destination of North Congress. Venue features include 4,500 sq. ft. of blank space with original exposed brick & foundation walls, plus a 1,300 sq. ft. covered patio, a projector with a 200” projection screen, state-of-the-art sound system, and a VIP room with private entrance. A truly versatile space, 800 Congress is a blank slate for creating the downtown Austin event you’ve been waiting for.

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Brazos Hall

In the heart of downtown Austin, Brazos Hall reigns supreme as the top-tier event venue, managed and operated by respected local hospitality group, Parkside Projects. In a highly desirable location off Brazos and 4^th Street, Brazos Hall occupies a turn-of-the-century warehouse that has been transformed into a magnificent two-story venue. Stepping inside the main hall, you will be captivated by the seamless fusion of history and modernity. Restored 100-year-old longleaf pine floors, exposed steel beams, and brick exteriors exude a timeless charm. Ascend to the rooftop patio, and you will discover a breathtaking view of the downtown skyline offering a stunning backdrop for your event.

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giving back

Since Parkside opened in 2008, community engagement has been priority for Chef Cirkiel. Early projects include an initiative at Austin’s Highland Park Elementary, where he has helped develop healthy-eating, exercise, and gardening programs. Cirkiel is also a founding chef of the Sustainable Food Center’s Farmers Market in downtown and former board member and secretary for the Sixth Street Austin Association.

Today Parkside Projects contributes tens of thousands of dollars a year in financial support, food, and time to local charities and service organizations. We have been incredibly fortunate in our growth and strive to grow equally in our ability to give back to Austin. We are thrilled to receive requests daily and try to respond to, participate in, and contribute to as many people as possible.

Please send your giving requests here, if we are able to help we will respond within a few days.

events

Parkside Projects offers private dining experiences at all 4 our unique restaurant concepts. From intimate private dining rooms to entire restaurant buyouts, let’s host your upcoming special occasion. In the heart of downtown, you’ll find parkside, the backspace, 800 Congress and Brazos Hall. Indoor/outdoor neighborhood options can be found at Olive & June or the backspace Anderson Lane.

careers

At Parkside Projects, our principle is to hire quality over quantity. Many of our staff have been with us more than a few years and many since the beginning of their restaurant careers. As a great source of pride, many of our managers and chefs began their careers with us. As well, other members have also become leaders of some of the best restaurants across Austin.

While we love to promote from within, we love meeting new people to grow our Parkside Projects family. Experience is important, but passion and hard work are fundamental. Please email us your resume and tell us about yourself at careers@parksideprojects.com.

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