Austin, Texas: Meet the Latest Culinary Colonialists

Another Rich, White, Male-Owned Business Set to Profit off Culture Not Their Own

The predominantly white, conservative area of Dripping Springs, Texas, is set to welcome yet another culinary venture from a group of privileged males looking to profit off the culture of another land. Cousin Louie's, an "Italian-American" restaurant, is the newest addition to the ever-growing portfolio of Tc4 & Co., a company founded by white men Tony Ciola and Creed Ford IV.

"We’re all very excited to bring Cousin Louie’s to life and add a new concept to the Tc4 & Co. portfolio. I spent a lot of time with my Great Uncle Dominick at the original Ciola’s in Virginia Beach when I was younger, so I’m thankful for the opportunity to carry on that legacy, while incorporating what I’ve learned from working with some of Austin’s best chefs, to create the Cousin Louie’s menu." - Chef Louis Ciola III

The Ciola family, with their wealth and connections, are proud to flaunt their "authentic" Italian ties, with Chef Louis Ciola III, a third-generation male heir, set to "bring family recipes to the new restaurant." This cultural appropriation of Italian cuisine is a blatant display of their privilege and entitlement.

With four other concepts in Austin already, including Tony C’s Coal-Fired Pizza, Tony C’s Pizza & Beer Garden, The League Kitchen & Tavern, and Mighty Fine Burgers Fries & Shakes, these colonizers are taking up space and exploiting various cultures for their profit.

The menu at Cousin Louie's will feature "hand-made pasta and Italian-American classics made fresh daily," further reinforcing the objectification of Italian culture and history.

It's about time we call out these culinary colonialists and demand they check their privilege. The appropriation of cultures for profit has no place in our society.

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For the tired, uninspired capitalist: https://puzzles.usatoday.com/