Preserve an East Austin original Hoover's Cooking

Hoover’s has been the face of Texas comfort food in the Austin community by serving up some down-home comfort food for over two decades. Owner Hoover Alexander is a native Austinite and a fifth-generation Texan- a true rarity in Austin these days. By taking one look at his menu you can see the influence and love of Texas that Hoover has carried throughout his whole life. Hoover has been in the restaurant industry in Austin for nearly 50 years, and he celebrates Austin’s history (and the history of Texas) through his food by showcasing Texas classics and by utilizing local farmers and other local culinary experts. From being the dishwasher at the famous Night Hawk Restaurant to restaurant owner, Hoover has seen and experienced it all in his illustrious career.

After decades in the restaurant industry, Hoover opened his namesake restaurant on Manor Road in East Austin in October 1998. The menu is a reflection of his heritage as a fifth-generation Texan with the influence of Cajun-Creole foods thrown into the mix. He serves up classics such as chicken fried steak and fried catfish alongside New Orleans favorites, po boys, and muffuletta sandwiches.

As we all know, the past few years have been incredibly trying for the restaurant industry. Unfortunately, Hoover’s has not been immune to the staffing and supply issues that have arisen since the onset of Covid-19 and the recession that followed. In response to the industry changes, Hoover has been working endlessly to pivot and find new ways to serve his community through his restaurant. During the pandemic, he expanded his business to the space next door and founded Hoover’s in a Hurry for customers to purchase pre-made popular dishes. Hoover's in a Hurry became a place where other local entrepreneurs had a place to sell their products during a time when it was hard to break onto the market. Hoover has had to cut the hours that his restaurant is open to serve his customers due to the lack of staffing and to save money.

As friends of Hoover, we have created this GoFundMe to help reinvigorate Hoover's Cooking from top to bottom. This funding will be able to retain quality staff in front and back of the house, staying competitive and also providing better living wages and benefits. We are wanting to upgrade currently outdated kitchen equipment and replace it with new appliances to service a larger audience, catering demands, and to expand the menu. Our goal is to restore Hoover's back to being fully functional and open for all normal business hours as the center of the community where people gather, share stories, and interact over Texas comfort food that makes all feel welcome. Hoover's holds a place of significant meaning as a pillar of the East Austin community.

Thank you for your support, and we hope to see you at Hoover's soon!