Tapville Social Opens First Full-Scale Restaurant in Austin

Lawrence Group designs new 4,664 sq ft concept with self-pour taps and rooftop event space

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Lawrence Group's hospitality team served as the Architect of Record for Tapville Social's first full-scale restaurant concept in Austin, Texas. Located near the University of Texas campus, the 4,664 sq ft restaurant features a self-pour taproom with 34 beers on tap, a full-service kitchen, and a spacious rooftop that can host up to 300 guests for private events.

Why it matters

Tapville Social's new Austin location represents the brand's first full-scale restaurant, expanding beyond its initial self-pour taproom concept. The prime location near the University of Texas and downtown Austin positions the restaurant to serve a diverse clientele of state employees, university affiliates, and the general public, solidifying Tapville Social's presence in the local market.

The details

As the Architect of Record, Lawrence Group's team adapted Tapville's standard design details to fit the existing space, coordinated with engineers and consultants, and completed the construction documents. The team faced the challenge of incorporating existing utilities and piping from the adjacent UT Health Center that traveled through the restaurant's ceiling, designing around the conditions and working closely with the general contractor to ensure accessibility.

  • Tapville Social opened in October 2025.
  • Lawrence Group has an ongoing IDIQ contract with the Employee Retirement System of Texas.

The players

Lawrence Group

An architecture and design firm that served as the Architect of Record for Tapville Social's new restaurant in Austin.

Tapville Social

A restaurant concept featuring a self-pour taproom with 34 beers on tap, a full-service kitchen, and a spacious rooftop event space.

Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS)

The state agency that has an ongoing IDIQ contract with Lawrence Group for hospitality projects.

Jyotsna Chitri

Franchise co-owner of Tapville Social.

Shashi Rangaraju

Franchise co-owner of Tapville Social.

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What they’re saying

“Our meticulously planned and strategically curated offerings are designed to create an exceptional dining experience that resonates with the local market. We're thrilled by the positive feedback we've received from our research and focus groups, which only reinforces our confidence in the success of this venture.”

— Jyotsna Chitri, Franchise co-owner (buildingenclosureonline.com)

“Tapville wouldn't be where it is today without each member of the Lawrence Group team. Their dedication, hustle, and teamwork have made it possible to complete construction in record time, and I couldn't be more grateful. It's truly been a pleasure working alongside all of them. I thank them for their commitment, energy, and hard work.”

— Shashi Rangaraju, Franchise co-owner (buildingenclosureonline.com)

What’s next

The new Tapville Social restaurant in Austin is now open and serving customers.

The takeaway

Tapville Social's expansion into a full-scale restaurant concept in Austin demonstrates the brand's ability to adapt its self-pour taproom model to a larger, more comprehensive dining experience. The project's success highlights the value of collaborative design and construction efforts between the restaurant operators and the architecture firm.