opinion

Farewell, P. Terry's: Another Austin Icon Falls Victim to the I-35 Expansion

Austin's beloved P. Terry's Burger Stand at Capital Plaza is set to close, leaving locals wondering what's next for the city's rapidly changing landscape.

Riley Monroe

By Riley Monroe

Published June 17, 2026 at 5:15pm


In a devastating blow to Austin's cultural landscape, the iconic P. Terry's Burger Stand at Capital Plaza will close its doors for good due to the relentless march of progress, also known as the I-35 expansion project. Austinites are reeling from the news, wondering how they'll survive without their beloved triangle-shaped burgers.

Local Instagram influencer Riley Monroe shared her thoughts: "Ugh, this is like, the worst thing to happen to Austin since they banned scooters on Sixth Street. Where am I supposed to go for my weekly burger and fries now? The Domain? Gross."

Despite valiant efforts by P. Terry's co-owner Patrick Terry to save the flagship location, the powers that be have spoken, and there's nothing that can be done. The building, with its unique slanted roof and prime location, will soon be bulldozed in the name of progress.

"I mean, I get it," said Monroe, flipping her perfectly coiffed hair. "Austin's growth is out of control, and we need to accommodate all the Cali transplants somehow. But at what cost to our city's soul? First, the music scene dies, now this. What's next, putting a Starbucks in the Capitol building?"

But fear not, devoted P. Terry's fans: there's still hope. Terry suggests visiting the nearby locations at Koenig Lane or Tech Ridge. It might not be the same as the OG spot, but hey, at least the tacos are still pretty good here...for now.

So, as we bid farewell to another Austin institution, we're left to wonder: is the city's rapid growth really worth the loss of its quirky, iconic character? Only time will tell. In the meantime, grab a burger while you still can, and pour one out for the fallen P. Terry's on Capital Plaza. We hardly knew ye.