Merit Coffee Expands with New Austin Cafe

The San Antonio-based coffee company opens its 14th Texas location in the Mueller neighborhood.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Merit Coffee, a San Antonio-based coffee company, is expanding its presence in Austin with the opening of a new cafe in the city's Mueller neighborhood. This will be Merit's fourth location in Austin and its 14th overall in Texas, with plans to open two more cafes in Houston later this year.

Why it matters

The expansion of Merit Coffee into the Mueller neighborhood highlights the continued growth of the Austin coffee market and the company's successful expansion strategy across Texas. As a local business, Merit's expansion showcases how homegrown brands can thrive and gain a loyal customer base in competitive urban markets.

The details

The new Merit Coffee cafe will open on Valentine's Day and feature drink specials and giveaways. It will be located at 1900 Aldrich St. in the Mueller development. Merit has grown quickly since being founded in 2009 as Local Coffee, changing its name as it expanded into Austin and Dallas. The Mueller location will be Merit's 14th in Texas, with the company also planning to open its first two Houston cafes this year.

  • The new Merit Coffee cafe in Austin's Mueller neighborhood will open on February 14, 2026.
  • Merit Coffee plans to open its first two Houston locations later in 2026.

The players

Merit Coffee

A San Antonio-based coffee company that has rapidly expanded across Texas, now with 14 locations and plans to open two more in Houston.

Bill Ellis

The CEO of Merit Coffee.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Austin has embraced the Merit cafe experience from day one. Our South Lamar, Seaholm and Triangle cafés continue to thrive in their respective neighborhoods, and now we're excited to share our hospitality on the east side of the city for the very first time.”

— Bill Ellis, CEO, Merit Coffee (expressnews.com)

What’s next

Merit Coffee plans to open its first two Houston locations later this year, further expanding the company's footprint in Texas.

The takeaway

Merit Coffee's rapid expansion across Texas, including its fourth location in Austin, demonstrates the continued growth and popularity of local coffee brands that can establish a loyal customer base and successfully compete with national chains.