The Silent Impact Of ‘A Day Without Immigrants’ On One Austin Neighborhood


Yesterday, February 16th, 2017, restaurants across the country kept their doors locked out of solidarity for the ‘Day Without Immigrants’ — a protest aimed at countering President Trump’s recent executive order on immigration and his overall attitude towards the issue. Knowing that Austin, Texas would strongly support the cause, I ventured out over the lunch hour to see what kind of impact this protest would have on my neighborhood.

Traveling no more than a few miles from my home, it became clear very quickly that the vast majority of restaurants didn’t open that morning. And while the city still bustled about, as it would any other weekday, there was a certain stillness that surrounded these closed eateries. Make no mistake, this was a big deal — even fast food chains like McDonald’s were unable to keep locations fully-functional.

As thousands of weird Austinites took to the streets in protest, parking lots and drive thru lines normally brimming with cars and customers sat vacant, and these quiet restaurants spoke volumes about the vital role immigrants play in the city’s beloved restaurant scene. With signs taped to their doors, here’s how the restaurants in my south Austin neighborhood chose to voice their support.

El Pollo Rico

“We Will Be Closed 2-16-17 / Estaremos Cerrados 2-16-17”

Kesos Taco House

“We Will Be Closed Thursday, February 16, 2017 To Show Our Support For Those That Do Not Have A Voice. We Will Resume Normal Business Hours On Friday #DayWithoutImmigrants”

Casa Maria

“Casa Maria Restaurant Will Be Closed Thursday Feb. 16 To Support Our Latin Community ‘A Day Without Immigration’

– We Apologize For Any Inconvenience And Thank You For Your Support”

Home Slice Pizza

“Heads Up, Homies – Home Slice Is Closed Today Thursday, February 16. We Will Reopen Friday, February 17. We Apologize For The Inconvenience”

San Juanita’s Tacos

“San Juanitas Tacos Unites To The Noble Cause That All Of Our Hispanic Families Are Going Through, Therefore, We Will Be Suspending All Public Services This Thursday, February 16th. Sorry For Any Inconvenience, We Do Appreciate Your Understanding”

Villa

Villa Restaurant & Bar didn’t have a sign posted, but they’re pretty no-frills. The last time I went in there they still didn’t have a cash register.

El Borrego De Oro

“We Will Be Closed Thursday, 2/16 In Support And Solidarity Of All Immigrants In This Country
‘Because the truth is, today’s immigrants, as they have forgotten after generations, work the longest hours at the hardest jobs for the lowest pay — jobs that are just about impossible to fill.’ – Luis Guiterrez”

Tekila’s

“En Apoyo A La Comunidad Immigrante Estaremos Cerrados Esta 16 de Feb”

El Tacoriddo

“Sorry, We Are Closed Today To Support Immigration. We Apologize For The Inconvenience And We Thank You For Your Support And We Appreciate Your Business. We Will Be Open Tomorrow At 7 AM”

Moreliana #1

“Estimados Clientes – La Moreliana #1 Se Cierra Jueves 16 De Febrero Para Apoyar A Todos Los Immigrantes – Gracias”